www.vistas-news.ca Alta Vista-Canterbury Community Newspaper (FREE) Vol. 37 No. 3 March 2018

The Importance of Building Relationships: as a Newcomer and as a Student By Gbemi Oresegun (Gr 12 student) arrived in Canada in November of 2016 and at first lived in a part of Ottawa called Vanier. Then I moved in August 2017 to Alta Vista. I Gbemi – embracing her new life in Canada by being involved - building relationships Being part of the Alta Vista Community has been a great experience for me. I have only been in this community for 7 months and I have already Christmas Campaign and decorating my very first Christmas tree! You benefited so much from it. I registered at St. Patrick’s High School and, don’t know how amazing it is to join so many clubs for free! Students although I was in my last year of high school and a newcomer, I made it who have always lived in Canada might not know how lucky they are. my goal to be very involved. I wanted to get involved in my school and I I encourage everyone to take advantage of opportunities to get involved also wanted to help my community as much as I could. St. Pat’s showed and become part of something special. me different ways to do so. Now I want to write about the importance In addition to being active in school, I decided to do more in my of building relationships, taking advantage of opportunities and giving community. I started by volunteering at Ridgemont High School in the back to a community that is so supportive. after-school program by helping kids with homework. I liked this so As a newcomer to Canada, I have had so many great experiences in much that I also started helping on Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. the past few months. St. Patrick’s High School has already built me up (continued on page 5 - Building Relationships) from a shy little girl to a bold young woman ready to take on the world. Within the school, I have had many rich experiences through joining clubs such as the ‘Best Buddies Club’ which matches students and fos- Icy Driveways, Walkways, and ters friendships and the ‘Newcomers Club’ which welcomes people like me who are new. This club has been teaching me about adjusting to Can- Carrier Safety By Ernie McArthur, Distribution Manager ada. I also joined the ‘Environment Club’ and participated in cleaning up the school grounds in the fall. We are also working on maintaining n icy conditions, your volunteer VISTAS Carriers might face serious injury our eco-school status through many important eco-initiatives such as Iwhen they go out to deliver the newspaper in your community. This applies energy monitoring, recycling and waste-free lunch days. I love this time also to those who deliver mail and other newspapers. spent with my peers working on purposeful projects. I am also part of Please ensure that your driveways and walkways are cleared of snow and the ‘Drama Club’ and the ‘Chaplaincy Team’. I sing in the choir and I ice. We all take pride in our homes, and ice-free access is one way of express- am a member of the ‘SPH Leaders’. I really enjoyed being part of our ing that pride. First, take the time to clear the access to your home of snow and ice and, where necessary, follow up with a treatment of sand or salt. We ask simply that you never leave the access to your home in a condition that threat- INDEX ens the safety of anyone who visits your property. Bookworm’s Delight 13 In Practice 28 We at VISTAS feel certain that home owners do not want to see a Carrier Classified Ads 31 Library 20-21 or any other person fall and spend months afterwards recuperating. Such a period of incapacity can seriously affect a Carrier’s work life and enjoyment Community Calendar 30-31 Our People 16-17 of life, and might even lead to a long term disability. Please spare a thought Computer Tricks and Tips 11 Schools 1, 5, 7 for these volunteer Carriers, each of whom is giving generously of their time Distribution of VISTAS 4 Science and Technology 19 to support you the homeowner, and the community, in receiving local news of interest to so many in our community. At VISTAS our Carriers are precious. Editorial Musings 2 Sustainable Eastern Ontario 25 Some are young. Some are elderly. And every one of them delivers VISTAS Family Matters 5 Word Search 31 because they believe in this, our community. Film Review 15 Your Finances 18 Health News 26-27 arch comes in like a lion and out like a Mlamb, hopefully! Find our lion. Page 2 VISTAS March 2018 VISTAS STAFF Editorial Musings Co-Editors: Marcia Gosse 613-731-2281 Meaning for Today E-mail: [email protected] Christine Inrig ow many days, months, years have you wondered what the heck E-mail: [email protected] Hyou’re doing here? I recently reread the book, Man’s Search for Advertising Manager: Jim Doherty 613-523-2487 Meaning, by Viktor E. Frankl. He was born in Leopoldstadt in Vien- E-mail: [email protected] na, Austria in 1905. He was a Holocaust survivor who had a Doctor- Business Manager: Catherine Fyfe ate in Medicine and a Doctorate in Philosophy. He was well known E-mail: [email protected] for his work as a psychiatrist and the therapy he developed, called Distribution Manager: Ernie McArthur 613-521-4658 Logotherapy. E-mail: [email protected] While Frankl was a concentration camp inmate, he realized the importance of finding meaning in whatever life one was living, even INFORMATION/SUBMISSIONS those harsh and inhumane ones. The word Logos is a Greek word Website: vistas-news.ca that denotes “meaning”. So logotherapy breaks up the self-centred- E-mail: [email protected] ness of the neurotic and reorients it to the meaning of life. According Mailing Address: 271 Mountbatten Ave. Ottawa, K1H 5W2 Circulation: 12,200 copies to logotherapy, ‘striving to find meaning in one’s life is the primary motivational force in man’. Frankl thought that the meaning of our DEADLINE for article submissions & community events: existence is not invented by ourselves, but rather detected. 15th of the month prior to publication. E-mail: [email protected]. He said that ‘man is never driven to behave morally, but he does ADVERTISING so for the sake of a cause to which he commits himself, or for a per- son whom he loves, or for the sake of his God’. He wrote, ‘A man’s Ads should be submitted to the Advertising Manager, in electronic format copy / check for available ad sizes / basic advertising rates and approxi- concern, even his despair, over the worthwhileness of life is a spiritu- mate size as follows: al distress….’ He followed this thought with Nietzsche’s words, ‘He Full Page $250.00 (10” W x 13” H) who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.’ Half Page $140.00 (10” W x 6” H) ‘Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; every- Quarter Page $ 90.00 ( 5” W x 6” H) one must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Business Card $ 30.00 Thus, everyone’s task is as unique as is his specific opportunity to Classified ads are $10 (maximum 25 words). implement it. For only to the extent to which man commits himself Accounts are due on publication. DEADLINE for ads: 15th of the month prior to publication. to the fulfilment of his life’s meaning, to this extent he also actualizes E-mail: [email protected]. himself.’ What I’ve written here is such a small part of the wisdom of Dr. Please note: Opinions and information published in VISTAS through let- Frankl. I think about the malaise among the youth, the depression ters we receive, community and association news or individual columns, among women and men especially in North America, but generally do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper. We reserve the worldwide. I’ve seen that darkness and depression in myself and in right to edit all submissions. my friends and acquaintances. Maybe it’s time for us to do a little de- tective work and each find our own cause, our life’s meaning. Perhaps this kind of search should be offered by a professional in the school VISTAS Needs Volunteer Carriers system. Then people would get in touch with their gifts, their creativ- Anoka, 34 papers Heron Road (Alta Vista to Greenbelt), ity, and their purpose. And the world would be a place of self-actual- Bathurst, 19 papers 13 papers ization and respect for that journey. Bloor, Penhill, Crestwood, 56 papers Lorraine & Palm, 50 papers Gordon W. Allport wrote: ‘The neurotic who learns to laugh at Chomley, 40 papers Mimosa, 30 papers himself may be on the way to self-management, perhaps to cure.” Courtice, 40 papers Mountbatten (Alta Vista to Blossom), Erie, 26 papers 45 papers So after many years of serious living, I developed a deep sense of Fairmeadow, 41 papers Pixley & Renova, 125 papers humour about myself and my daily Florida, Atwater, 40 papers Station Boulevard, 40 papers adventures. It has been a help to me Grasmere, 39 papers in my down times and a joy to me in my good times. VISTAS Vision I would wish for everyone who he VISTAS community newspaper is in its fourth struggles, their own revelation as to Tdecade of production. We aim to provide interest- the meaning of the life within them, ing articles about your friends, neighbours, activities and a healthy sense of humour to available in the community, and items of concern to help them along the way. the Alta Vista area. We encourage involvement and discussion from our readers and look forward to read- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he ing your emails, letters and submitted articles. Your stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but VISTAS team will do its utmost to continue to pro- where he stands at times of challenge and contro- vide a quality newspaper which will be an enjoyable versy. Martin Luther King, Jr. read for your home. March 2018 VISTAS Page 3 Heroes of Heron Emergency Volunteer Carriers Needed for Food Centre (HEFC) VISTAS Delivery East of Haig By Lynn Sherwood ntil mid-January VISTAS had an arrangement to be delivered east of Haig and north of Smyth by and with the Ottawa South News his February, Brendan Reid, a member of the Board of HEFC, will collect U publication. Because the Ottawa South News has ceased publication, Tcashier receipts from Wilson’s Your Independent Grocer at the intersection of Bank Street and Alta Vista Drive. He will add up totals until he reaches the January VISTAS was the last VISTAS edition to be delivered under the sum of $10,000 and will bundle the receipts together to submit to Sarah that arrangement. Accordingly, the February edition of VISTAS was not Ramirez at Wilson’s Independent. She will then, according to an agreement delivered east of Haig and north of Smyth, and VISTAS is now without established with Brian Wilson, the manager, send a cheque for $100, repre- a delivery system in that area. Some copies of the February VISTAS senting 1% of the amount of cash register receipts collected, as a donation to were delivered east of Haig to schools, community centres, and stores, HEFC. Wilson’s YIG, formerly Rogers YIG has been making this donation for but it was not and will not be delivered to homes until VISTAS can put over 15 years. in place a new delivery system. VISTAS has commenced the search Brendan calculates that this is the sixtieth time he has collected cash re- for a Distribution Manager for this area, and for Distributors, Captains, ceipts since 2010, meaning that Wilson’s YIG has donated a total of $6,000 and Carriers for the homes east of Haig, but does not know how long it to HEFC during the last eight years. Brendan Reid and Wilson’s YIG are our might take to assemble these volunteers, or when a distribution system Heroes this month. might be in place east of Haig and north of Smyth. The area described What a wonderful way to participate in the fight against food insecurity here generally as east of Haig and north of Smyth is actually bounded in our community! Instead of squishing those cash receipts into the bottom by Haig, Roger Guindon, Coronation, Russell, Sheffield and Walkley. of your coat pockets, we at HEFC invite everyone to save them up and take Of course, for those not receiving VISTAS, it can be read online on its them to HEFC or to a local church so that they can be gathered together and website (vistas-news.ca). submitted to Wilson’s. This helps us to provide nutritious food to folks gazing into empty cupboards and wondering where their next meal is coming from. This notice is the second call for volunteers, and if you are able to deliver to the homes on your street or a neighbouring street, or if you For Brendan, this sixtieth col- are able to act as Distribution Manager for this area, or as a Distributor lection of cash receipts will be his last. After more than 15 years repre- to take bundles to Captains, or as a Captain to deliver bundles to indi- senting Immaculate Heart of Mary vidual Carriers, please call Distribution Manager, Ernie McArthur, at Church on the board of HEFC, he 613-521-4658, or e-mail him at [email protected] with your is stepping down and moving on to name, address, phone number, as well as the the street(s) on which you other endeavours. His lovely Irish wish to deliver. For a list of the streets without Carriers, please refer to accent and quiet humour will be the list below. much missed at our board meet- ings. Adams Circle Furby Olympia Smyth There are many ways to con- Alton Colson Gill Orchid (Dauphin tribute to our community, to look- Arch Connery Gladwin Othello to Russell) (Canterbury Cork Goren Peter Morand Sonata ing out for those of us who are down to Pleasant Cornish Haig Pickering Southvale on our luck. Donations of cash and Park) Corry (Kilborn Pleasant Park St. Laurent non-perishable food are always, Audrey Crane to Pleasant (Haig to (Walkley of course, a priority. But there are Avenue K Cross Park) Saunderson) to Russell) other ways of contributing. Saving Avenue L Cuba Haig Plesser Susan those cash register tapes from Wil- Avenue N Dakota (Smyth to Portage Tawney sons YIG, and passing them on to a Avenue O Dauphin Russell) Pullen Tilson representative of HEFC, as well as Avenue P Delridge Halifax Quinlan Tremblay keeping those egg cartons and plas- Avenue Q Devon Hall Raglan (Pickering tic grocery bags, (I often find a bag full of egg cartons hanging on my front Avenue R Dickens Halstead Roger to Ave. U) door, thank you, neighbours) are also important ways to help, and recycle at Avenue S Digby Halt Guindon Tupper the same time. After all, it is very difficult to distribute groceries without gro- Avenue T Dixie Hamlet Russell Tweed cery bags to put them in or distribute eggs with no egg cartons. Avenue U Dorval Harding Ruth Urbandale Balharrie Drew Harvey Samuel Valley The Board of Directors of HEFC is pleased to meet with faith groups, Bangor Dunelm Hastings Sandra Vincent youth groups and other community organizations to discuss our organization Barrymore Dunrobin Heaton Saunderson Weston and to help plan food drives. And, of course, we always need volunteers. The Bingham Dwellingham Horton (Halifax Weyburn Annual General Meeting of HEFC, at which time we welcome new Board Blackstone Dwight Howland to Pleasant Wingate members, will be held on April 17 at Heron Road Community Centre. If you Botsford Edgecombe Hutton Park) are interested in working with us, you can contact us at: 613-737-9090 or Bourassa Edmond Joliffe Saunderson [email protected]. There is no Browning Elderfield Keats (Pleasant language Heron Emergency Food Centre is located at 1480 Heron Road and is open Camrose Ellen Lancaster Park to like the 4 days a week to provide emergency food to folks in need in Ottawa South. Canterbury Elsett Lemay Smyth) Irish for Our website is: www.hefc.ca. (Kilborn to Emslie Magnus Saunderson soothing Halifax) Erinbrooke Martha (Smyth to and quiet- Check out our Facebook page at Heron Emergency Food Centre: Carnegie Fairdale Marywood Halstead) ing. @hefcottawa. Caverley Fife Melford Shamir John MARCH WISH LIST Chadburn Fleming Monteith Shelbourne Millington Tuna, canned vegetables, canned tomato sauce, pasta, canned soup, chick Chapman Foley Naples Shelley Synge peas, kidney beans, cereal, diapers, and school snacks for children. Chaucer Folkstone Nerta Page 4 VISTAS March 2018 Distribution of VISTAS Distributors Phil Chartrand Cathy Hollands Ron Newhook R & H Westington Dinner Conversation Questions Bruce Burgess Fiona Clifford Scott Inrig Jacqueline Newton Janet White 613-738-6450 Paula Clifford Karen Jackson Joanne Paré Chris Wiebe 1. Tell about a dream you had and discuss it with Jim Doherty Amy Connelly C & B Jeffrey Wendy Parkes Gertrude Wilkes the people at the table. 613-523-2487 Jo-anne & Charles Barbara Jensen *Lynne Peterman Lynda Woodhouse John Frankland Crisp David Jones *Rodney Pitchers Doug Woodside 613-523-5572 Linda Cunha Pearl Jutzi Arianne Potvin Paul Woolner 2. When it’s a dreary day, are your spirits dreary Lynne Peterman Maureen Daley Christel Kurz Dale Powell Tasha Worgan too? What about a sunny day? How does the 613-731-9108 Michel David Alex Lacasse Wendy Pullan Roger Wyllie weather affect you? Michel René Tara Laderonte & Lesley Raven Yeadon Family Team Captains* de Cotrat Students Robert Read Catherine and Carriers Anthony & Gretchen Fred Ladouceur Terry Reeve Znotinas 3. Who is the living person you most admire in the Paul Adams Denton Claudette Lalonde Julien Robinson world? Brian Arvisais Bruce Denyes Sally Lankester Joanne Rodgers Nanci Askwith Gerri Doherty Diane Laplante Mariana Rodriguez 4. Pick a topic such as “flowers”. Play the alphabet Cynthia Ball *Jim Doherty Katie Laurie Valentina Rodriguez Maria Beaulne Katie Donaghy Ruth Leamy Kristina Rudnitzki game where people name a flower starting with Patrick Beauregard Mary Donaghy John Leger Roz Sanderson successive letters of the alphabet. Take turns Dorothy Belter Michael Donaghy Teresa LeGrand Michael Schwartz around the table. *Robert Belter *Jim Donaldson Robert Leitch André Séguin Jane Berlin Rena Donnelly Donna Leroux Sierra Family Frank Berlin Fran Doy Marg Levalliant Mary Lou Sparks The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity. Leo Tolstoy *Sharon Bernard Carolyn Dunlop Eva Link Robert Squires Sheila & Norm Black Ryan Ferrer Aidan & Elizabeth Réal St. Amand Tristan Boivin Valerie Ernst Maloney Mr. & Mrs. Stead Heather Bonas Fontaine Dan McCarthy Dwight Stewart Samuel Bourgeois Julianne Foster *Bruce McLelland Ann Taylor Julie Breau John Frankland John McCrea *Barry Thompson Roma Broadfoot Terry Gaw Ruth McFie *Samira Thompson Merle Brown Nicholas Genest Marian McGahern Richard Turcotte Susan Bubb Anne-Marie Erin McInerny Barb Vanbaal Tuan Bui Gervais Julianne David Vandine *Bruce Burgess Elizabeth Gibson McNamee Charles Vincent Charlotte Burgess Sam Griffin Larry Mercer James Waddell James Calkin Robert Hawkins Thaddeus Mordon Andrew Walsh *Suzanne Carr Cathy Healy Judith Neal Margaret Walsh Jackson Castell Duncan Henley Graham Neale *Brian Watson & Arlo Baird Sandra Weedmark Kate & Emma Eric Henry *Deborah Gwynn Weese Chacksfield Julie Hiscock Newhook Karina Welch March 2018 VISTAS Page 5 through certi- Family Matters fied growers Cannabis: Turning Over a New Leaf who mea- By Deborah Brooks R.P., ICCDP sure the com- annabis, herb, weed, marijuana, pot, or whatever you want to call pounds. Any- Cit, is not just consumed by stereotypical stoners or hippies anymore. thing off the According to Statistics Canada, our cannabis industry is now on par with street is an un- the beer industry and even larger than the wine industry. Cannabis has known. This broader uses than just getting people high. It has medicinal applications also made me and can be consumed different ways. But is it safe, as so many people wonder how believe? And is everyone going to consume it when it becomes legal? about the THC and CBD lev- A lot of people are already indulging in cannabis, and if you asked els of cannabis high school students if they could acquire some, most could readily ac- edibles such as brownies, candies, butter and other products. Objective- cess it. I live in a condo building where the weekend smell of cannabis ly, it is a good thing to know which drugs and compounds we are taking, infuses my floor, the elevators and stairwell. Cannabis smoke is where especially in the case of one with such potent effects as cannabis. tobacco smoking was twenty-five years ago, trumping the rights of neighbours who don’t smoke. The unknown is will regulation and certified growers help make the product safer for those who choose to use it? What is indisputable is that I must admit that I have a bias due to my profession: working with we need to keep it out of the hands of our youth, along with alcohol, people with problematic substance use. In my field, cannabis is consid- tobacco and other drugs. If they have to try it at all, the later, the better. ered problematic as it robs users of possibilities for their future. It can be difficult to build a future while high. With no sense of urgency, things Deborah Brooks is a Psychotherapist and counsellor for Serenity can wait until another day, week, or year. Renewal for Families, an Alta Vista Charity, which provides education- al programs and counselling for people struggling with addiction, their The side effects for those with developing brains can be devastat- children and families. To learn more or to donate to families needing ing. Anxiety, psychosis and schizophrenia are more commonly being at- help, call 613-523-5143 or visit serenityrenewal.ca. tributed to cannabis use and a rise in its THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannab- inol) content is believed to be responsible for the psychoactive effect. Like all mood-altering substances, the euphoria is often what people are ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL looking for. However, for those who are vulnerable, both recreational Building Relationships and medical use can become problematic. For older people, long term (continued from page 1) cannabis use can also present negative psychological effects similar to those experienced by youth. I admire the mission of the Salvation Army and I volunteer with Another compound in cannabis is CBD (cannabidiol), often referred their community garden, Sunday School and with child care. The Sal- to as medical marijuana oil, which is known for its calming effect and is vation Army was very kind and supportive to my mom and me when commonly used for pain and as a sleep aid. It has little or no psychoac- we arrived. I have just started helping at the Heron Road Community tive effect and is something we are seeing used more regularly by older Centre Food Bank – where I found out that a friend from the Newcom- adults with conditions such as fibromyalgia. This compound has some ers Club also volunteers. Now we go together. Next month, I will begin promising applications, and is hopefully less harmful than other medi- to volunteer with the Alta Vista Branch Library. cations currently being used for pain, such as opioids. Each of these activities has helped me As part of the research for this piece, I visited a cannabis parapherna- build healthy relationships plus they keep lia shop and asked about options for inhaling. The least carcinogenic way me busy in positive ways. As a high school to use cannabis was claimed to be by vaping, with bongs and joints like- student, I feel a responsibility to do whatever ly being the most carcinogenic. When I asked how one would measure I can to help others and enrich myself. As a THC, I was told you would only have access to that kind of information newcomer, I want to embrace all opportuni- ties offered to me. I feel so valued and loved by being welcomed into the family of each The CELINE TOWER Grant organization. I feel like I belong to many fam- ISTAS is again funding The Celine Tower Grant in the amount ilies and this makes me happy. Vof $1,000 (Cdn) to honour the memory of our long-time editor, I knew I would be improving my mental well-being by being in- Celine Tower. volved, but I did not know it would turn out so well! I give my ideas Students pursuing further studies in Writing, Journalism or and people listen to my ideas and give me more confidence. At first, Communications, and who have a connection to the Alta Vista / I was scared to share my ideas, but people gave me the platform and Canterbury / Elmvale Acres community are invited to apply, using encouraged me and actually listened to me. Through my clubs and my the application form which can be found at www.vistas-news.ca. volunteerism, I have found a new voice. I have built relationships and I More information is also available on the website. have learned so much! Applications are due by April 30, 2018. The applicant may be So to all newcomers to Canada and high school students, I say this: contacted for an interview and, if successful, notified by June 30, “Make it your goal to be involved in your community. You will be doing 2018. All applicants will be informed when a decision has been great things for yourself as well as your community - more than you can made. imagine.” I wish I had been here since Grade 9; imagine all the things that I would have done! Page 6 VISTAS March 2018 Get Ready for International Women’s Day arch 8th is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political Machievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are a few ways you can recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day this year: 1. Learn about feminist heroes. Learn the history of this special date and the movement towards gender parity. Read up on women throughout the world and throughout history who have made a difference. Have a movie night with your friends and watch films about women, especially women from other countries or cultures. 2. Get involved. There are many ways you can get involved in your community. Join a board of a charity or organization or volunteer and actively participate in the work that they do. See if there is a local walk or marathon in your area. Marching, running or walking with other women can help raise awareness for the struggles of women around the world. 3. Donate to a charity. Consider donating to one of the many organizations such as Amnesty International that work on women’s issues, locally and internationally. Donating to organizations working on women’s rights can help in the fight against gender-based discrimination, ensure women can access sexual and reproductive health services, and make sure that women who are human rights defenders can safely and freely carry out their work. 4. Celebrate courageous women in your life. Take a moment to think of the signifi- cance of the women in your life and be sure to celebrate, appreciate and thank them. www.newscanada.com March 2018 VISTAS Page 7 RIDGEMONT HIGH SCHOOL Budding Scientists arlier this year, the University of Ot- Etawa (U of O) challenged grade 11 and 12 students to submit scientific proposals tackling some aspect of multiple sclerosis (MS). Two groups of Ridgemont students entered proposals. Gouled Awad, Ibrahim Darwaish and Shohaib Yaqubee proposed using a naturally occurring human pro- tein to lower levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate which is thought to cause many symptoms associated with MS. Farah Nas- ser, Khawla Mesmous and Saadiya Moham- med proposed to test if the innovative gen- Budding Scientists etic technology – Crispr-cas9 – can correct the most commonly mutated gene associated with the disease. Our Ridgemont students were among the selected finalists who recently presented their pro- posals to a panel of judges at U of O. Running champs Coached by Jesse Collins and Katie McColeman, the Ridgemont junior boys’ cross country running team won the 2017 City-Wide Championships. The team advanced to OF- SAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletics Association) in Petawawa. Amidst frigid temperatures and a snow-covered course, the team clinched a fourth place finish with Joe Fast winning the OFSAA Junior Boys Championship title for a second year in a row. First time runner and Algerian native, Khawla Mesmous, was also featured in the December 2017 issue of the Canadian running magazine – iRun. Khawla, who is currently finishing up grade 12 at Ridgemont, shared her inspirational story of how she found the courage to run. Go Spartans, Go! Intrepid travellers This March Break, nineteen students and three teachers from Ridgemont High School will embark on an action-packed trip to Italy. Organized by EF Educational Tours, students will visit Venice (complete with Gon- dola ride), and Florence followed by a day in Assisi and a tour of the Pompeii Roman ruins. Adventuresome students will also enjoy a brief stop in Pisa as well as a tour of the island of Capri. The journey ends with a guided tour of all Rome has to offer. This will definitely be an experiential learning endeavour like no other.

March 17, St. Patrick’s Day Wear Green Think Irish! Page 8 VISTAS March 2018 March 2018 VISTAS Page 9 World Lymphedema Day: March 6 in Ottawa By Stephen Kelland ave you ever heard of “lymphedema” or even Hlymphatics, much less lymphatic diseases? If not, you are likely in the majority of Canadians, and other populations world-wide. It was (is) with this in mind that advocates are seeking to make changes... for the better. Stephen Kelland of Alta Vista – Riverview Park, Ottawa, is such an advocate. Lymphedema (LE) is an accumulation of high-protein lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the legs, arms, genitals, trunk, head and/or neck. It impairs mobility and function, plus can cause pain, significantly impact quality of life, and lead to se- vere infection or the loss of use of limbs, for the af- fected person. LE does not discriminate on the basis of gender or age and, with infection complications such as cellulitis or lymphangitis, can require hospi- talization for immediate care. Dorset Drive’s Sock Drive enny Dawson and the Labelle family pushed the kindness metre Jand did a really nice thing before Christmas. She and a friend enlisted the help of their young children and dropped off notes in the neighbourhood, asking for the neighbours to donate socks for the Shepherds of Good Hope. The outcome was excellent: 176 pairs were donated. Very warm welcome from the Shepherds. A very ‘teachable’ lesson for their children, as well as all of us. Do you have a community story to share?

Pictured from left to right at the at the 2018 proclamation presentation is Elaine McArdle, spouse of Stephen, representing the support of loved ones within the Lymphedema Community, Mayor Jim Wat- son, and Stephen Kelland, representing those within the Lymphedema Community, who are afflicted with lymphedema, plus in his capacity of LE&RN: Canada Chapter, Chair. Lymphedema is a progressive, chronic, oft-debilitating and socially stigmatizing disease for which there is no cure. LE is categorized as either hereditary (primary) or acquired (secondary). Essentially, primary lymphedema presents at birth or manifests itself later in life, from genetic malformation or defect of the lymphatic system. Sec- ondary lymphedema is developed as a result of a bodily trauma such as cancer treat- ment, radiation therapy, major surgery, severe burns or other injuries. Although LE can and does impact male/female bodies, of either variety of primary or secondary, the lioness’ share of LE is secondary and affects females that have undergone breast cancer and treatment thereof. It is the risk of secondary LE of the upper extremity(ies) arising from breast cancer that has led to the bulk of societal awareness of lymphede- ma of any kind. Advocates of LE voice that the disease needs and merits attention, along with other public health maladies on levels similar to awareness campaigns for diabetes and depression, which have recently been the themes of the annual World Health Day (April 7) of the World Health Organization. LE’s profile within society, writ large, much less within the mainstream medical community and, sadly, among those who have the disease, remains pitifully low. An estimated approximately 1,000,000 Cana- dians live with LE. To connect with Stephen for interest in joining LE&RN: Canada Chapter or sup- porting lymphedema advocacy, [email protected] or [email protected]. Page 10 VISTAS March 2018

For up to date rink schedules visit JeanCloutier.com. March 2018 VISTAS Page 11 gle Canada paints a very positive picture (not surprisingly) of current Computer Tricks and Tips and potential conveniences and shortcuts, and provides some insight on By Malcolm and John Harding, of Compu-Home how helpful and ubiquitous these systems are poised to become. Voice Activated Digital Assistants But not so fast! You didn’t think that the big four were bringing out all of this innovation without some sort of profit motive, did you? Studies Aren’t They Cute? in both Canada and the USA have exposed some evidence in this area ome people think of them as robots, and others simply as a replace- that causes quite a bit of concern. Sment for their keyboard. Some affectionately call them by name: Consumer Watchdog in the United States has done some digging into Alexa, Siri, Assistant or Cortana, while others would be much happier if the patents related to this technology, with results that that produce they could be sure these spies weren’t lurking anywhere in their house. some worry. We think that most people who read https://tinyurl.com/ A bit of history: Microsoft’s Cortana, Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s As- yb25gkr6 will wind up paying much more attention to this subject in sistant and Apple’s Siri have been living in our smartphones, tablets and the future – and avoid planning a bank robbery in the same room with computers for a few years now and voice recognition has pretty much their smartspeaker. got over being the clumsy stumbling block it once was, to become a tru- By now most of us have encountered that spooky sensation when we ly useful tool. In the past year, all four of these big players have upped have searched online for information about something and for the next the ante by introducing smartspeakers that sit on your coffee table and several days advertisements somehow related to that subject have been pair up with the digital assistants to do everything from changing the TV incessantly appearing in our email or Facebook pages. Without being channel, to adjusting your furnace, to tweaking the oven, to telling you able to put a specific finger on it, we know that somebody or something who is that guy co-starring in the movie you’re watching. You start by has been monitoring our data and is using that information, and proba- saying a word that triggers the attention of the system, and then issue bly making a few bucks out of the process. your commands or questions from your armchair. The smartspeakers are pretty similar in their capabilities and the fact that one brand won’t Digital assistants and their smartspeaker henchmen just may be car- work with another company’s system, and that they all have cute names. rying that intrusion another step. Remember a few paragraphs ago when we referred to “trigger the attention of the system”? It now seems possi- https://tinyurl.com/ybz64wzu is a good place to start if you are looking ble that no trigger is needed – at least not from you. for an overview of the capabilities of VADA. Chiel Hendriks from Goo- We recommend two reports from CBC Manitoba: https://tinyurl. com/y87p5mwk and https://tinyurl.com/ycz95d4q deal with the sub- ject in a lighthearted and breezy but intelligent manner. Paranoid? Maybe. Worth careful study and informed judgement? Definitely! Go to compu-home.com/blog for an archive of our columns (includ- ing this one) and lots more tech-related articles. There is a space right after each item for you to make comments and suggestions, and ask questions. You can even sign up for automatic updates. Have a look at compu-home.com/blog soon or call us at 613-731-5954 to share your opinions and suggest subjects for future columns. Our email address is [email protected].

Sunset is still my favorite color, and rainbow is second. Mattie Stepanek Page 12 VISTAS March 2018 LOCAL BUSINESSES

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. Leo Tolstoy March 2018 VISTAS Page 13 to Los Angeles, thus leaving their support net- Bookworm’s Delight work behind. By Judith Evans After many long conversations with Scott (Available from the Ottawa Public Library) about the pros and cons of their options, Amy decided to have her name added to the waiting My Glory Was I Had Such Friends list and the couple moved to a small, comfort- By Amy Silverstein able house not far from Cedars-Sinai Hospital. hen Amy Silverstein was 25, she learned that her heart was failing Imagine Amy’s surprise when her best Wand that she needed a heart transplant. Fortunately, she received a friend, Jill, informed her that her nine closest heart and around the same time she also received a proposal of marriage friends had organized a schedule which would from her boyfriend, Scott, while she was in intensive care. see each person spend a week visiting with She accepted and over the next 25 years, they had an eventful life, in- her to offer support during the long waiting period. Including her house- cluding adopting a baby boy who they named Casey. Since she was told keeper turned close friend, Leja, who insisted on coming out to Califor- at the time of her surgery that her life expectancy was only five to ten nia to keep house for as long as they needed her. years, she only expected to be able to see Casey start kindergarten. She The nine friends were: Joy, Jill, Leja, Jody, Lauren, Valerie, Robin, was happy to survive long enough to see her son move away from home Ann, and Jane (although it turned out that Ann and Jane didn’t visit Amy to start university in Cleveland, but the day she and Scott helped Casey because many of the earlier visitors came several times and then a suit- move into his residence room, she began to experience severe shortness able heart was found). of breath. Scott insisted that they go to a local hospital so that Amy could The seven who did visit were there while Amy was able to stay at the get a proper medical opinion about her health. However, because she house and then when she was moved to the hospital when her condition wasn’t ready to hear that her heart was finally giving out after close to deteriorated to a dangerous level, they would spend a week at a time record service, she downplayed her difficulty breathing and she was told sleeping in Amy’s room with her – doing what they could to bolster her that she could return to New York. spirits, encouraging her to be as active as she could be, even to the point It wasn’t long before she could no longer hide her symptoms and she of getting her outside occasionally for fresh air, making a fuss over her, is forced to make a huge decision – should she give up and decide that decorating her room to make it more cheery, lending much needed sup- she had had a good life with her first heart transplant; or should she let port when a possible heart was found, and then proved to be unsuitable, Scott persuade her to let her name be put on the waiting list for a new and generally, doing what really good friends do for each other, in large heart. While she felt pulled toward just giving up since the years with the and small ways. first new heart had been far from problem-free and she had had to spend When Amy finally received her new heart, after coming close to giv- a lot of time either in hospital or trying to live a normal life while she ing up because her old heart didn’t seem likely to be working much long- didn’t feel at all well. Added to the decision was the fact that because of er, she found that she felt better than she had in years and after a period her rapid deterioration, she and Scott had been told that her best bet for of recovery, she and Scott returned home. a successful heart transplant would come if they relocated temporarily Amy rejoiced in being able to do things she hadn’t been able to do comfortably for so long and also in the wonderful support network pro- vided by her friends. I found this book inspiring because it demonstrates the powerful connection between a group of friends and what a difference is made when people reach out to each other. Page 14 VISTAS March 2018 March 2018 VISTAS Page 15 discover emerging musicians and bring their music to European audi- Film Reviews ences. By Tony Wohlfarth The film captures Christopher as he travels in the Sahel and to Eu- Tony Wohlfarth is an Ottawa-based freelance film rope, where the music of the Sahel is discovered by enthusiastic audi- writer. He recently returned from covering the 68th ences. The film’s music is very vibrant and the relationship between Berlinale Film Festival in Germany. Kirkley and the musicians is exceptional. A Story of Sahel Sounds was released in 2016. The running time is one hour and 23 minutes. A trailer Wakefield Doc Fest for the film can be accessed at: ans of documentary films should set their sights on Wakefield, Que- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t3lbpM5EFI. th Fbec on March 3 – 4 for the closing weekend of the 9 Annual Wake- Grand Cru field Doc Fest. Tickets are $15 each or $40 for a weekend pass. For more information, film buffs can check out wakefielddocfest.ca. On March 3, the film screenings in Wakefield wrap up withGrand Cru. Grand The weekend of March 3 - 4 features two films, California Type- Cru tells the story of a Pascal Marchand writer, and A Story of Sahel Sounds. In addition, the festival has added from Montreal. Marchand became a wine- a screening of Grand Cru, about a man from Montreal who is now a maker in Burgundy and Grand Cru tells winemaker in Burgundy. his story. The running time is 80 minutes. California Typewriter The film’s director and producer will at- California Typewriter pays tribute tend the March 3 screening for a Q & A to the importance of typewriters. Direct- session, along with Mr. Marchand. ed by Doug Nichol, the film features in- terviews with leading luminaries – Tom Hanks, John Mayer, and the late Sam Spring Shepard – about their fondness for the typewriter. The film is named after a store begins in Berkley, California which repairs and preserves all makes and models of the on machines. Tuesday, Tom Hanks owns a collection of some 250 typewriters, and the 61-year old actor March 20 types daily. He pays tribute to personal thank you notes and he states categorically that they are more meaning- ful than the equivalent via e-mail. Singer songwriter, John Mayer, writes his lyrics on a typewriter. Mayer eulogizes the rhythm of the sounds of typing – a rhythm Nichol choreographs to music. Playwright Sam Shepard died in July, 2017 at the age of 74. Shepard was also an aficionado of the typewriter. Nichol’s documentary is set in Berkley, California. He also docu- ments the importance of typewriters for communication in Mumbai, In- dia, where typewriters are still used for official documents. California Typewriter was written and directed by Doug Nichol. Released in 2016, it is an entertaining and nostalgic tribute to the machine and their rhythms. California Typewriter won three awards in 2017 at the Newport Beach Film Festival – for outstanding achievement in directing and film mak- ing. The running time is one hour and forty-two minutes. A trailer for the film can be accessed at: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=AgJ3kSOHMiU. A Story of Sahel Sounds Continuing with the theme of rhythms, the film screenings in Wakefield also includes A Story of Sahel Sounds. Christopher Kirkley is a Portland, Ore- gon-based music producer and distrib- utor. Christopher travels to the Niger to Page 16 VISTAS March 2018 Our People By Courtney Tower

Ben Lim: Like So Many, a Work in Progress “As well, the high suicide en Lim was always searching. Still is. The lad rates among the young really Bwould attend Bible study meetings and knew bothered me. I thought, how his Scriptures better than most, young or old. He can these people who are sought his own understanding of others, and of our so close to nature and who correspondence with nature. That led the twenty-ish Ben to seven years live such peaceable lives, I among the Cree peoples of James Bay on the Quebec side. Now 30, believe, have such despair back at the family home on Playfair Drive, job-hunting and active in his among the young?” church, he is, like so many, the good son seeking how best to invest his Huge Change – talents. In Transition Ben found at Waskagan- ish some 2,200 souls, well housed and with more auton- omy and resources than in most Canadian reservations. All that emanates from the incredibly vast James Bay Project of diverting rivers, building 11 hydroelectric power generating stations in all, from the 1970s through 2011 over traditional Cree and Inuit lands. Yet one of the world’s largest hydroelectric proj- ects, stretching from James Ben in winter gear before the log cabin he and a friend built in which he lived Bay to Ungava Bay, creates Ben at home in Alta Vista, holding snow- for two years. Scott Inrig, who taught Ben Bible studies back in at classes held huge change in the lives shoes he is making, before screen showing at Rideau Park United Church, says: “In Ben’s way, he was operating a min- his log cabin. Photo credit: Gerri Doherty. istry up there.” Photo provided by Ben Lim. of the peoples there. Their transformation is as great as that of the land of rivers and bogs, of bears, wolves and caribou, created Ben Lim is one of our youth trying to find themselves amidst all by the 215 dikes and dams, some sky high (one rises 56 stories). One the pushes and strains of today. At his home, just back from two mu- diversion channel is blasted 30 metres deep into a mountain, creating a sic-themed church sessions, guitar in hand, Ben of the quick and infec- reservoir that drops water from a height higher than Niagara Falls. tious laugh discusses what sent him north and what impels him now. Amidst all the superlatives, including agreement providing much Ben had the usual young life here, alive with sports and music as he autonomy and hundreds of millions of dollars, thousands of acres of grew up on Alta Vista Drive near St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church, at- land and forest were submerged. Huge amounts of mercury poison were tended Alta Vista Public School, Hillcrest High, and Ottawa U. Despite thereby released, into fish and into people. Large changes followed in having a degree in economics, being bilingual in English and French, a animal and fish migrations. Wide areas opened to road-building, clear- government or industry job didn’t attract; he felt a stronger call. cut logging, mineral exploration. Traditional hunting, trapping and fish- Grabbed His Guitar and Moved Up North ing activities were sorely strained. Ben had had a summer 2008 job as a camp counsellor in communi- Although the reservations are better served than most in Canada, ties at the tip of James Bay, in the region called Eeyou Ischii. The next and local industries including an airline exist, work is short for many. year, graduated from Ottawa U, there was an offer to be a youth leader There is ennui, boredom, among the youth and many adults. at the Waskaganish reservation. Flushing Out – an Outsider View After a confirming interview, “I came back to Ottawa, grabbed my Ben came there “with all sorts of ideas, but they’ve had a very long guitar, some clothes and a Bible, and moved up north.” history of people coming in and imposing their agendas, their programs, “I had so many questions, growing up in a world of faith at home their views of native peoples. So I guess that was something that had to and also with a great affinity for nature and the environment. I wondered be flushed out of me.” what I could learn from people who had lived, still practice to a degree, Ben worked through his evangelical church, leading youth activities an ancient way of life tied to the land.” and “just hanging out together.” He was, as well, a high school math and “What about these traditional ways? What can they tell us about science teacher. living our urban lives today? I wanted to experience and learn.” (Continued on Page 17) March 2018 VISTAS Page 17 Ben Lim They are the Ones – to Welcome Us (Continued from Page 16) Since last fall, feeling he had learned what he could in the north, he He worked at other jobs other times, including managing an organi- has been back in Ottawa, continuing to hold “a tremendous respect and zation that helped people start small businesses and managed properties. honour for the First Nations and Inuit peoples.” Later, after a return to Ottawa that didn’t stick, Ben was jolted when, “I feel that they are the ones who have the authority to establish us at a public hearing about a proposed lithium mine, he heard a Cree pro- in this land, and to really welcome us. moter saying “this (the mine) is our future. Our young people don’t live “Personally, I feel like a little kid who has been adopted by these on the land anymore.” great peoples. I feel our country is like that, a kid who has parents who Ben is unconsciously playing air guitar as he recalls, “I was playing want to love us and share with us. And it’s our job in Canada to honour my guitar, alone, and I could see myself in that place of the proposed our parents.” mine, living in a little shelter, in the old way.” A Taste of Life – as Before It was November and Ben went to the Nemaska village 35 kilome- tres from his intended site, bought tent canvas and camping supplies, asked permission from the area’s Cree tallyman (an area manager), and built a wigwam in the isolated taiga. He wasn’t a total hermit. Every little while he would go into Nemaska and “stay for a couple of days with friends whose homes had thermostats.” But over the long months of winter he found something of a taste of life in a tent that he entered through a little flap, fitted only with a mattress, a small wood stove, a feather blanket and some pots and pans. After that, back to Waskaganish, where he helped establish and run a soup kitchen for kids who went to school hungry, attended as well by adults who were jobless and/or alcoholic and needed food and conver- sation. He became a school gym teacher.

Ben Lim’s tent in the taiga, snowshoes and skis at the ready. Ted Griffiths Photo from Ben Lim. and the such meeting, the padre of Ted’s Three Rivers Regiment – Joseph L. Wilhelm, Reconciliation Archbishop of Kingston – described his hopes that Canadian and German Vet- erans would one day hold a reconciliation dinner at Ortona. When Archbishop Dinner Wilhelm passed away in 1995, Ted became determined to see the dream be- By Peter McKinnon come reality. ajor (ret’d) Edmund (Ted) Grif- The Regiment endorsed the idea immediately, but Veterans Affairs Canada Mfiths has lived a storied life. Af- declined to contribute funds, citing plans for a larger ceremony scheduled for ter serving in both the Second World the following year. Ted was severely disappointed. “To many of us,” he says, War and the Korean War, he stayed in “the Italian Campaign, and particularly the Battle of Ortona, had long been the Canadian Forces and retired as a downplayed in Canada.” major in the 1960s. Ted then embarked Several officials and newspaper columnists quickly took up the cause, on a second career in the federal pub- however, and public donations began to pour in, eventually totalling approxi- lic service; along the way, he married, mately $250,000. Ted contacted the 1st Parachute Division Veterans Associa- raised a daughter and published his tion to propose a commemoration of a poignant moment from Christmas Day memoirs. 1943, when several companies of Canadians rotated through a makeshift din- One accomplishment, however, makes him particularly proud: the Dinner ner service in the courtyard of an Ortona church. 55 years later, 24 Canadian of Reconciliation he helped organize in 1998. A group of Canadian and Ger- and 8 German Veterans of Ortona shared Christmas Eve dinner in the same man soldiers shared Christmas dinner together in Ortona, Italy, where they had place. Ted describes the scene in his 2000 memoirs, Dare to be True. “It was waged war against one another 55 years earlier. a blending together of human beings who had faced each other as foes, and “We have tremendous respect for one another,” Ted says simply. “On both now with age and the greater understanding that goes with it, recognized that sides, we were just good soldiers fighting for our countries.” forgiveness and reconciliation is the only true path to follow.” In December 1943, the Allied advance through Italy encountered ferocious For participants on both sides, the dinner put to rest the ghosts that had resistance at the ancient town of Ortona. The 1st Parachute Division – com- haunted them for decades. Donations from Canadians covered travel and ac- prised of some of Germany’s most experienced soldiers – fiercely defended commodation expenses; the German Veterans paid their own way. Some of the town against the 1st Canadian Infantry Division. So intense were the eight the remaining proceeds went to support the exceptional care delivered at the days of house-to-house fighting that Ortona was dubbed “Little Stalingrad,” Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, where Ted now lives. for its resemblance to the definitive battle of the Eastern Front. The Canadians “I’m quite impressed by the quality of care here,” says Ted Griffiths, relax- chased the Germans from the city at tremendous cost: more than 500 Canadi- ing in his room. “It’s as if they can’t do enough for you.” ans killed and 1,800 injured (including the initial fight across the Moro River Many Canadians, and particularly donors to the Perley Rideau Founda- to reach Ortona). tion, feel they can never really do enough for Veterans like Ted Griffiths. To For decades, many of the Canadian Veterans who had taken part would learn more about the Foundation, visit www.perleyrideaufoundation.ca or con- share their memories and grief at commemorations and anniversaries. At one tact Daniel Clapin at [email protected] or 613-526-7173. Page 18 VISTAS March 2018 Build a bond ladder. Rising or falling interest rates can affect the Your Finances prices of your bonds. But by building a bond “ladder” that consists of By Bob Jamieson, CFP bonds of varying maturities, you can benefit in all rate environments. (Edward Jones, Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund When market rates are low, you’ll still have your longer-term bonds – www.edwardjones.ca/bob-jamieson) which generally pay higher rates – working for you. And when market Keeping Your Balance rates rise, you can use the proceeds of your shorter-term bonds to pur- When the Investment World Turns chase new ones issued at the higher rates. ou’re probably aware that the investment world seems somewhat Finally, during times like these, when successful investing may be Y“out of balance” lately. Following a year of steady gains, the stock more challenging than usual, get some help. A professional financial ad- market has dropped, and day-to-day price swings have been extreme. visor can analyze your situation and make appropriate recommendations. And the strong economy, particularly in the USA, means short-term in- The financial news these days may seem dizzying in a variety of ways terest rates are rising and likely to rise even more. As an investor, how – but by making the right moves, you can still help keep your balance. can you make sense of all this? If you would like a 2nd set of eyes on your individual situation, feel For starters, don’t be alarmed by any of these events. Consider the free to give me a call at 613-526-3030. stock market’s recent performance. While it was certainly nice to see the market keep on rising, it wasn’t typical – in fact, we generally experience stock market declines more than once a year, so the recent downturn marked more of a return to “normalcy” than anything else. The under- lying economy and business results are strong. Even if the US Federal Reserve, or the Bank of Canada, raises short-term rates, they are likely to still remain low by historical standards. To sum up: there may be some temporary dislocation in the finan- cial world, but the sky is not falling. Even more importantly, you, as an individual investor, can take steps that can help you continue making progress toward your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement. Consider these suggestions: Stay invested. The stock market can turn around quickly and unex- pectedly – and if takes a positive turn, you’ll want to be invested, because investors’ biggest gains typically occur in the early stages of a rally. Diversify. At any given time, different investments may move in dif- ferent directions. For example, stocks may be up while bonds are down, or vice versa. Consequently, if you owned all stocks, or all bonds, your portfolio could take a big hit if a downturn primarily affected either of these types of investments. That’s why you’re better off diversifying your holdings among stocks and bonds. Keep in mind, though, that diversifica- tion, while helping reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio, can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss. March 2018 VISTAS Page 19 Science and

Technology Science fiction By Andrew Rader, Ph.D. becoming www.andrew-rader.com reality: Andrew is working as a Mission Integrator at SpaceX in two rockets California. He has experience on dozens of space mis- landing at sions. In 2013, he won Discovery Channel’s #1 competi- the same time tive television series Canada’s Greatest Know-it-All. (SpaceX)

Falcon Heavy ast month, the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launched for the first time. It Lwas a test flight that carried a Tesla Roadster and space-suited passenger affectionately dubbed “Starman” into space on a long elliptical Mars-crossing lower surface gravity means that, from the middle of these planets, a rocket trajectory. Being a risky test flight, the rocket could have carried lead plates or would only need to be half as large to get to space as from Earth. concrete ballast. Instead, it carried a car. The launch was one of the most-viewed Back on Earth, space travel is still at the edge of our capabilities, but as we events on our keep making progress in reusable rocket technology, the cost will come down planet, with and spaceflight will become more routine. In the early days of aviation, even over 2 million staying aloft for a few short minutes was a challenge, and only the most daring eyeballs glued took to the skies. Eventually, aviation became safe, reliable, and cost effective, to their screen. so that now we can board a commercial airliner and fly anywhere on Earth in The launch not around a day or so. This is the creeping progress of technology, making what only successful- ly demonstrated the rocket, but burned into our consciousness the spectacle of Falcon Heavy in flight (SpaceX) a car hanging in the blackness of space above our beautiful blue marble. Bound to orbit the Sun and equipped with a collection of science works by Isaac Asimov on a quartz laser storage device, a billion years hence the spacefaring Tesla, its digital library, and Starman passenger could well be the last reminders of our civiliza- tion. As identified on a printed circuit board carried on the flight as a message to future extraterrestrials who might come along, they were built on Earth by humans. It was fun and silly, but fun and silly things are important. Falcon Heavy is now the most powerful operational rocket on the world, with 27 engines providing two-thirds the thrust of the Saturn V rockets that Starman on his journey to Mars and beyond carried astronauts to the Moon. Being reusable, the rocket promises to reduce the cost of access to space, meaning that more can be done with less, and open- was once impossible seem ing up an entire new collection of activities beyond Earth. Getting to space is routine. With the advent hard. The laws of physics and our planet’s gravity mean that we live on the of large reusable rockets, knife edge of being able to launch anything into space at all. If we lived on a space travel could experi- planet like Mars with only 38% of Earth’s gravity, getting to space would be ence the same transition. easy. If we lived on a planet like Jupiter with 253% of Earth’s gravity, getting We can now imagine a time to space would be near impossible. There are planets around other stars whose where not only our planet, inhabitants would find space travel much easier than us. The TRAPPIST-1 sys- but entire solar system is tem has at least three planets in the habitable zone around the central star. Their within reach.

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a differ- ence. They bless the one who re- ceives them, and they bless you, the giver. Barbara De Angelis Page 20 VISTAS March 2018 Tuesday, March 13, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Alta Vista Public Library Secret Sounds The Alta Vista Library is located at 2516 Alta Vista Dr. For more information, please Listen and watch carefully to unlock a mystery. Ages 7 to 12. Registration required. call 613-580-2424, ext. 30426. / La bibliothèque Alta Vista est située au 2516, prome- Tuesday, March 13, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. nade Alta Vista. Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez composer le 613-580-2424, poste 30426. (Registration for all programs requires a valid OPL li- Nature’s orchestra brary card for each registrant.) Explore the sounds of the wild. Ages 4 to 6. Registration required. (Closed on March 30th and April 2nd) Wednesday, March 14, 10:30 - 11: 30 a.m. CHILDREN’s PROGRAMS Log driver lifestyle Get in tune with the lifestyles of English and French lumber trade workers from STORYTIMES 19th-century Canada. By learning the folk songs and delicate steps of the log driv- Babytime ers who travelled down the Ottawa River, you will get to know the physical and Stories, rhymes and songs for babies and a parent or caregiver. 0-18 months. No lyrical melodies of this way of live. You will also learn to play their own traditional registration required. wooden spoons that they will decorate and take home. Ages 6 to 12. Registration *Session 2 - Mondays, March 26 to April 16, 10:30 - 11 a.m. required. In partnership with Billings Estate National Historic Site, one of the City Family Storytime of Ottawa’s local historic sites. Stories, rhymes, and songs for all ages and a parent or caregiver. No registration Wednesday, March 14, 2 - 3 p.m. required. En avant la musique! / Spunky monkeys *Session 2 - Tuesdays, March 27 to April 17, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Viens nous rejoindre pour des histoires et des chansons qui te donneront envie de Toddlertime chanter et danser. Pour toute la famille. Aucune inscription requise. / Come join us Stories, rhymes and songs for babies and a parent or caregiver. 18-36 months. No for stories that will make you want to sing and dance. Family program. No regis- registration required. tration required. *Session 2 - Thursdays, March 29 to April 19, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Le jeudi 15 mars de 10 h 30 à 11 h 30. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Feelin’ groovy Lego Block Party Take the stage and sing your heart out with library karaoke. Ages 7 to 12. Regis- Create and build with Lego! Ages 6-12. No registration required. Wednesdays, tration required. until June 27 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Game On ! “Scene” at the library Roll the dice, pick a suit or grab a nunchuk! Come play cards, board games or Wii Watch your favorite children books come to life. All ages. Registration required. with us ! No registration required. Saturdays, until May 26 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 16, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Reading Buddies ADULT PROGRAMS This program aims to help children practice and improve their reading skills! Chil- dren will receive individualized reading help and encouragement. Ages 6 to 12. BOOK CLUBS Registration required. Book Banter *Session 2 - Saturdays, March 31 to April 21 from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Share the enjoyment of good books in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for discussions Kids Book Club on the first Thursday of every month from 2 - 3 p.m. Come and talk about books, make new friends and enjoy fun activities! For ages Thursday, March 1 Left Neglected by Lisa Genova 8 and up. Parents and/or caregivers are welcome to accompany their child. No Sleuth Hounds Mystery Book Club registration required. Share the enjoyment of good mysteries in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for discus- Monday, March 26, 6 - 7 p.m. sions on the third Thursday of every month 6:30 - 8 p.m. Fais-moi sourire, rire ou pleurer! / Make me smile, laugh or cry! Thursday, March 15 Sujata Massey - Rei Shimura series. Venez célébrer les Rendez-vous de la francophonie avec nous! Amenez votre Infusions littéraires famille et visionnez ensemble six courts métrages d’animation, sélectionnés par Partagez avec nous le plaisir des livres dans une ambiance détendue. Joignez-vous l’Office national du film (ONF), parfois drôles, voire hilarants, parfois sérieux… à nous pour une discussion. De 14h00 à 15h00. mais jamais trop. Puis restez avec nous pour une activité ludique, histoire de vous Le lundi 19 mars Chanson douce de Leïla Slimani amuser en français! Attention, le rire est contagieux! Et toutes les réponses sont Conversation Groups bonnes! Pour tous les ages. Aucune inscription requise. Celebrate the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie with us! Bring the whole family and watch six acclaimed an- *Groupe de conversation en français – débutant / French Conversation imated shorts selected by the National Film Board of Canada, a compelling mix Group – beginner of wry comedy and more contemplative fare. After the screening, stay with us and Améliorez votre français parlé et rencontrez des gens dans une ambiance convi- keep the fun going by joining in a game, played in French. Don’t worry, there are viale et décontractée. Aucune inscription requise. / Practice your French language no wrong answers in this game. For all ages. No registration required. conversation skills and meet new friends in a relaxed and friendly environment. No Saturday, March 10, 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. registration required. Le samedi 10 mars de 15 h 30 à 16 h 45. Mondays until June 18, 4:45 - 6 p.m. Les lundis jusqu’au 18 juin de 16h45 à 18h. MARCH BREAK *Groupe de conversation en français (intermédiaire) / French Conversation Join the band Group (intermediate) Raid the recycle bin to make your own musical instrument. Ages 4 to 6. Registra- Améliorez votre français parlé dans une ambiance décontractée. Ce groupe est de tion required. Monday, March 12, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. niveau intermédiaire. Aucune inscription requise. Science « sounds » like fun! Improve your spoken French in a relaxed setting. This group is for those at an inter- Join Scientists in School and discover the science behind sound! Learn how to mediate level. No registration required. modify sound by changing pitch and volume. Join our vibration orchestra and then Tuesdays until June 19, 6:30 - 8 p.m. make a musical instrument to take home and amaze your family with science of Les mardis jusqu’au 19 juin de 18h30 à 20h sound. Ages 6 to 12. Registration required. *English Conversation Group (Monday) / Groupe de conversation anglais Monday, March 12, 2 - 3 p.m. (lundi) Spunky monkeys Practice your English language conversation skills and meet new friends in a re- Come join us for stories that will make you want to sing and dance. Family pro- laxed and friendly environment. No registration required. / Améliorez votre anglais gram. No registration required. (Continued on Page 21 - Alta Vista Public Library) March 2018 VISTAS Page 21 Alta Vista Public Library Adults 50 years or older, who have a Library card, are eligible to enter. They are invited to submit a maximum of two short stories either in English or French. Stor- (Continued from Page 20) ies must be original and unpublished works, and under 2,000 words. There will be parlé et rencontrez des gens dans un milieu décontracté. Aucune inscription requi- prizes to be won. More information to be available in the coming weeks. se. One-on-One Computer Tutorials Mondays until June 11th, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Book a one-on-one tutorial to learn computer, email and Internet basics. Les lundis jusqu’au 11 juin de 18h à 19h30 Wednesdays, 1 - 3 p.m. Other times are available upon request. Please visit the Downsizing main floor service hub for more information or to schedule an appointment Downsizing is a very personal journey that can stem from a desire to simplify Health and enjoy life more fully, or a more pressing need to move on as a result of life Prenatal Classes - Ottawa Public Health changing events, whether your own or someone else’s. Join Susan Sowah, of Buy- Prenatal Class offered by Ottawa Public Health (OPH). A public health nurse will Herself and Houses&Co, to examine various aspects of downsizing. The financial lead this mini-series of three small group sessions. Only one parent must register side (the current market, renting vs owning, the effect of baby boomers on Ottawa but both are welcome. real estate) and tactics for how to get unencumbered from possessions that can Session 1. Birth Basics-Confidence & Comfort. hold people in place. We address how best to begin dealing with a lifetime of pos- Session 2: Breastfeeding Basics-Tips & Techniques. sessions or selling the family home. Moving to a more manageable space is easier Session 3: Baby Basics-Preparing for Parenthood. when we can envision the future and weigh all options to decide what’s important. Thursday, March 1, 8, 22; 6 - 8 p.m. Learn about tips, experts and resources that help. Saturdays, March 10, 17, 24; 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Registration required. TEEN PROGRAMS Ottawa Public Library 50+ Short Story Contest The Ottawa Public Library is hosting an annual Short Story Contest for older adults. Teens and Money Be money-smart and join us for a workshop designed especially for Teens! Topics include: using credit cards; how to manage your income, student loans, savings, ex- penses and budgets more effectively; and investment options. This workshop will be led by Gary Rusyn, Financial Educator from the Credit Counselling Society. Registration is optional. Thursday, March 15, 4 - 5 p.m. Making Sushi and Rice Rolls A hands-on sushi making class presented by chef Chris Peters. Learn how to make three different types of rolls while learning about the art of sushi-making. Discus- sion on sushi rice and what makes it unique. Photo presentation on sushi as an art form. No prior experience required. Friday March 16, 4 - 5:30 p.m.

With this coupon until March 31, 2018 Page 22 VISTAS March 2018 Investing in our Growing City, Today and Tomorrow By Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa, 110 Laurier Ave. West, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1

Keeping Residents Safe on Ottawa Roads treets and roads are one of the most important parts of Sour city’s infrastructure. In all parts of the city, whether we drive, cycle or walk, we’re on the road daily. We take our roads to go to work and to get back home, to bring our kids to school and to visit our friends and family. Our roads connect us, and it is crucial that we keep them, and those who travel on them, safe. In the last election, I committed to installing 20 new red light cameras. Fourteen of those have already been installed, with the remaining six complet- ed by this fall. Red light cameras installed at key intersections have led to a reduction of more than 50% in dangerous right angle collisions, as well as an overall decrease of 43% in injuries. They are more than a simple deterrent to running red lights; last year alone, they generated roughly $5.1 million, which We will continue to pilot this exciting project throughout the spring and we reinvested in the City. To further enforce and strengthen road safety initia- evaluate how we can integrate into our cycling networks. tives, I have proposed to allocate 100% of red light cameras’ revenue to Otta- Safe cycling has been a priority for me and for this Council, and this is wa Police Services and Safer Roads Ottawa during the next term of Council. why we have invested a record $80 million to expand our cycling and pedestri- Safer Roads Ottawa (SRO) is a partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, an infrastructure in all parts of the city. Through these historical investments, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and we will see 15 km of new cycling infrastructure added to our cycling network the Public Works Department. SRO is committed to preventing and elimi- this year, helping us reach our goal of adding 72 km of cycling facilities to the nating road deaths and serious injuries for all people in the City of Ottawa, City’s growing network by the end of 2018. A strong and integrated cycling through culture change, community engagement, and development of a sus- network means that our cyclists will enjoy safer rides with fewer collisions. tainable safe transportation environment. The program sets out a bold vision Our multiple investments in road safety have significantly improved safe- and action plan that is comprehensive and responsive to road safety priorities. ty on our roads. Overall collisions between vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and Road safety is a consideration to not only motorists, but also to cyclists pedestrians have decreased from 15,078 in 2015 to 14,023 in 2016. This de- and pedestrians. Last year, the Safer Roads Ottawa Program teamed up with a crease of over 1,000 collisions shows that we are on the right track to making local start-up to pilot a cyclist-detection system at the corner of O’Connor and the City of Ottawa the safest traffic environment for all. Waverley streets. March 2018 VISTAS Page 23 going. Our discussion that followed illuminated the fact that she essen- An Adventure in Thailand tially views us (to her utter shock) as slovenly and inadequate tenants. By Sutida Marie Turcot This small incident ended in both parties essentially saying, “I’m sorry there was a misunderstanding. Our lease is almost at an end and thank Working Through Shame goodness for that,” had me preoccupied for the better part of a week and am half-Thai, half-Canadian and I am in Thailand at the moment with it made me very homesick for Canada. I my two young sons and my husband. We are here on an extended stay This incident was a matter of stereotyping “positive” attributes to a to soak up the culture and language. Not long ago, I grazed against a racial group to which I was placed, in a country that I call home. I can Wall of Shame. I did not even run into it full-on but it still affected my only imagine what being a visible minority in Canada might be like, and life deeply, particularly in the immediate fall-out of the incident. I had how awful it must feel to have “negative” attributes placed upon you trouble falling asleep. I saw my world and the world around me differ- as an individual based upon prejudice of a group in a country you call ently in my waking hours. I was shaken. home. It hurts to think about it but it happens all the time and sometimes It was a case of racial stereotyping, but an interesting case. In Thai- the offender is not even aware. One of my favourite quotes is, “One land, I am considered as being more “farang” than not. Farang essen- doesn’t have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence tially means “white foreigner”. Our landlady here attributed a “posi- of empathy and understanding are sufficient. In fact, a man convinced tive” stereotype to our family, which involved a mix of: “clean, refined, of his virtue even in the midst of his vice is the worst kind of man.” – and respectable” because we are farang. In my experience, farangs are Charles M. Blow often stereotyped positively here, which did not work out in our favour Working through this incident helped strengthen beliefs I hold. in this case. 1. Empathy, compassion and self-awareness help inoculate against Our landlady gave us a very good rental price for our temporary judgement; judgement and self-judgement are unhelpful. home here because she expected that a farang family would ensure that 2. Being myself is enough and everyone is trying her/his best. it looked like a three-star hotel all the time. We are a family with young 3. Shame is a vigilant and ruthless prison guard. Think and talk children and though we are clean, our living space never looks as put-to- about shame. Share it with people you trust to help lessen its gether as a hotel. We do not decorate to any great extent, we do not mind power. if things do not match as long as they are functional; we hang laundry On a lighter note: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There in the house if we need to, and we certainly make do with what we have is no one alive who is Youer than You.” – Dr. Seuss while we are temporarily living somewhere. For more on “shame” and how to work through it, try reading, Dar- After one of her visits to our home, when the air felt charged with ing Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We her unvoiced opinions, I approached her to ask her how things were Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown. Page 24 VISTAS March 2018 day shift. At first she says when travelling to meet a cruise boat, we really should We Missed the Boat leave a day ahead. We relay the story of our journey and she is speechless. “What By Judith Neal do we need?” she says. We get two delay reports for our travel insurance, another hotel voucher and 4 more meal vouchers. Why You Should Always Have Travel Insurance Now that things are settled, what can we see and do in San Diego? We decide s with any holiday/vacation, the planning is part of the fun. My husband and on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour even though there is not time to do any hopping. AI planned a cruise to the Mexican Riviera, a popular place we had never been The weather is nice and we see the sights. We walk back to our hotel along the before. Family and friends agreed it was a good choice. We researched our shore waterfront from the trolley stop. Exercise is good for reducing the stress level. excursions to give us a variety of experiences. Everything fell into place nicely. After all, this is supposed to be our relaxing cruise vacation. On a cold Tuesday afternoon (-24o C) in January, we set off to the Ottawa Friday morning sees us back in the airport ready to fly to Mazatlan. Our trip airport with light weight jackets (and me in sandals!). We check in and find out goes well. We get through Mexican immigration and taxi to our hotel and check our flight will be 20 minutes late coming in and therefore will be 20 minutes late in. It is owned by Best Western but it is definitely Mexican in design. We have a leaving. The ticket agent said we might miss our connection from Newark to San lovely view of the ocean from our balcony. We decide to go for a long walk along Diego, but worst case scenario we would be on the flight to San Francisco, spend the sea boardwalk. We come across some cliff divers and watch for a few minutes. the night there and fly to San Diego the next morning. No problem; we still have The beach is quite rocky and the waves are lovely to watch. What should we do plenty of time to get to the cruise boat. We board our flight to Newark, the ex- about dinner? Well, the hotel has a small area for dining, but we are told by hotel pected 20 minutes late. Then we sit on the tarmac an additional 20 minutes for a staff, that out the back door and around the corner is Angelina’s Kitchen. It has take-off slot. We realize we have definitely missed our San Diego connection but great food, so they say, so off we go. The food is really good and there is live should be in time for the San Francisco flight. music too. Arriving in Newark, 40 minutes late, we go to the customer service counter Saturday we have a great buffet breakfast, Mexican style, at the hotel. The to get new boarding passes only to be told we cannot make the San Francisco ship is clearly visible from the rooftop pool area of our hotel. Off we go in a taxi flight because it is in another terminal and take off is in 10 minutes. The customer called by the hotel staff. Our taxi ride is short and we stop at the port area where service agent put us on a 7 a.m. flight Wednesday morning to Los Angeles with a the cruise passengers are meeting their shore excursion guides. Security guards 12:30 p.m. connection to San Diego. The computer lists our flight delay from Ot- come and start yelling, in Spanish, at our taxi driver. He throws our luggage back tawa as an Air Traffic Control issue and therefore we are on our own for the night in the trunk and motions to us to get back in the car. He then drives us to another and meals. We step away from the counter and call our cruise travel agent who gate and drops us off. There does not seem to be anyone around besides a sol- tells us to call our travel insurance company. The travel insurance people tell us dier, in fatigues, with a machine gun. The soldier appears more interested in his to get a report from the airline about the flight delay and make sure we charge our phone, thank goodness. Eventually we are motioned through a turnstile with our expenses to the same credit card. We re-approach the customer service counter to luggage. Our passport photos are checked and compared with the copy that had get the report and (the same agent) finds out that the original flight delay was due been emailed ahead by our cruise agent. It really is us, they decide. Luggage is to a maintenance issue. The agent is very apologetic and gives us 4 meal vouchers thoroughly searched. We can see the cruise ship further down the port; we are and a hotel room for the night. No need for a report. We are still on our way and we getting closer. After several minutes a car drives up, the driver speaks English, we feel confident we will get to San Diego to meet the boat. Of course for this night load our luggage in and drive to the ship. Mazatlan port appears to be an industrial we have no luggage. Note to self: thank goodness I carry a change of clothes in container port, so tourists do not walk anywhere here. There is a mandatory trolley my carry-on luggage. to take passengers from the ship to the shops and excursion area (where our taxi Wednesday morning we are up bright and early and get to the airport at 5 a.m. first took us). A front desk staff member meets us at the gangway and we finally We do not want anything to cause us to miss this flight. Airports are very quiet at board our cruise ship, early Saturday afternoon. We made it, for at least half of this time of day. We sit near our gate and watch the various businesses come to our cruise. Our shore excursion payments are refunded for the two ports we have life. We board our plane and sit. Why are we still sitting at the gate? The flight missed. Our tickets for the excursion in Puerto Vallarta, our shopping bags, our attendants announce that maintenance people are trying to check on a possible dinner seating arrangements, and our mariner luncheon invitations all get straight- hydraulic leak but are having trouble getting the stripped screws out. After about ened out, eventually. Oh yes, we also have to hand in our Mexican immigration 90 minutes of sitting, the plane is deemed unserviceable due to a large hydraulic cards. fluid leak. We all deplane. Another plane will be found for us soon. Here are some It is time to relax and enjoy the next three days. We meet people in board and food vouchers. Our new gate is announced and we finally take off at 11 a.m. (4 pick up interesting information. One man said we could not have made up our hours late). We know we have missed our 12:30 (remember it is all in local time) story, it’s just crazy. We also learned that Mazatlan has just recently reopened for flight to San Diego. While we were waiting, we had checked and found two more cruise boats. There was too much drug traffic and kidnappings and violence. This flights from Los Angeles to San Diego, which would get us into San Diego in time has been cleaned up by the Mexican authorities. This was where we went for a to catch the boat. long walk! Arriving in Los Angeles, we know that the 2 p.m. flight has just left but the The last three days of our cruise seem short, but the weather is sunny, warm, 2:30 p.m. flight is tight but doable. We get our new boarding passes from the cus- and quite windy. tomer service counter and move quickly to the gate only to find out that this 2:30 Wednesday morning sees us back in San Diego, a short taxi ride to the airport flight has been delayed 1 hour. The plane was diverted elsewhere. We are standing and we are waiting for our flight home. This flight is delayed by about 15 min- in the Los Angeles Airport and realize we have missed our cruise boat. What do we utes. No problem, we have seen this before. An uneventful flight back to Newark, do now? The gate agent is sympathetic but there is nothing she could do. Eventu- passengers are asked to let those with connecting flights off first. I guess we all ally a plane is found for our short flight to San Diego, but it is a smaller size. The have connections to make. We make a dash for the shuttle (we have to change ter- gate agents will not allow anyone to board until 18 people volunteered to take a minals) and get to our new gate only to find that this flight is also delayed. That is shuttle van or a later flight. That takes another hour. We arrived in San Diego at probably a good thing, this time, because we would never have made it otherwise. 5:30 p.m. Our boat had sailed at 4 p.m. All in all we arrive home, with all our luggage, safe and sound. Miraculously our luggage has arrived ahead of us and is waiting at the luggage Has our vacation/adventure discouraged us from travelling or cruising again? claim office! There is no customer service counter in San Diego, so we claim our No. Would we make sure we are always covered by travel insurance? Yes. We luggage and go out to the ticket agent counter. There is a large number of custom- would really encourage travellers to be covered by health and travel insurance, ers trying to get into or through San Francisco tonight. We wait our turn and then have the phone numbers readily available have to wait for a supervisor to help us. We get a voucher for one night in a hotel while travelling, make sure they have a phone and are told to come back in the morning (Thursday) to sort things out. plan that will work in whatever country you After a nice meal and a relatively good night sleep, we talk to our cruise agent are travelling to, allow at least 1 hour be- and the travel insurance people, who are all very helpful. We can fly to Mazatlan tween flights so you can make your connec- the next day (Friday) via Phoenix. More paper work, emails and phone calls to get tions, and always have a change of clothes things organized. We walk back to the airport and meet with the supervisor on the and a toothbrush in your carry-on bag. March 2018 VISTAS Page 25 Sustainable Eastern Ontario Sustainability in Healthcare By Kathryn Norman s a literal life-and-death setting that depends on Asingle-use equipment for hygienic reasons, and requires a lot of energy to run specialized facilities and equipment, healthcare may seem like it’s at odds with try- ing to be more sustainable. And there are probably some areas where this can’t change. As someone who tried to avoid single-use, disposable plastics, I’ve al- ways said that there should be an exception for health care and research, where preventing contamination and cross-infection is critically important. Where Ottawa Hospital - photo credit: the Ottawa Hospital would a genetics lab be without disposable pipette tips? How would hospital pa- replaced the deep freezers used for sample storage and research, saving enough tients fare without plastic IV lines? With antibiotic resistance on the rise among energy to pay for the new freezers within four years. The Riverside Hospital has bacteria, aren’t you glad that gauze and those gloves came in a sterile, sealed a dedicated transit station, which recently saw a lighting upgrade to improve the package? safety of the tunnel and conserve energy. These examples are not specific to hos- pitals – there are lots of situations where upgrading to more efficient equipment Some things can be sterilized – surgical equipment, glass or metal lab equip- or taking advantage of co-generation makes sense (look up “district heating” if ment, some kinds of bandage material – but even this often isn’t enough. Ster- this interests you). ilization kills cells, but it doesn’t erase their components. Allergens and genetic material can remain in the absence of living cells, and while that might not be When it comes to sustainability in healthcare, there’s not a lot an individual a problem in most cases, it’s a huge problem for some. And depending on the can do, even if they work in the field. But sharing and celebrating success stories details, is all the energy used to sterilize these things worth it? like those mentioned here, raising awareness about the issues, and supporting research into ways to address the problem all need to happen if change is going It turns out there’s actually a lot that hospitals and other healthcare facilities to take place at a higher level. So go ahead and have the conversation the next can do to reduce waste and energy expenditure. There are some obvious things; time you’re in a (non-emergency) clinic, and see what your doctors and nurses hospitals are buildings, after all, and a greener building makes for a more effi- think, or if they’ve thought about it at all. Inquiring minds want to know. cient hospital. Cafeterias and food courts can compost scraps and use recyclable packaging, just like any other restaurant. Eco-friendly cleaning agents (that are Kathryn is the Programs & Communications Coordinator at Sustainable just as good at disinfecting) exist for most uses. Eastern Ontario. Research into hospital energy efficiency was carried out by her intern, Talal El Ayoubi, as part of a project for the Independent Electricity Then there are other strategies that are more complex, or more specific to Systems Operator – more details available at www.SustainableEasternOntario. the industry. A surprising amount of medical supplies (bandage material, drugs, ca/ourwork. etc.) is thrown away every year. Maybe a particular lot has passed its best before date for guaranteed sterility or effectiveness. Maybe a new discovery has meant that a certain treatment is no longer standard, and new stock is needed to keep up standard of care. Maybe there’s been an example of that delightfully frustrating phenomenon where someone ordered supplies they didn’t need in order to use up a budget that would be reduced if they didn’t spend it. Obviously no one wants their family member to get sub-standard care, ex- pired drugs, or non-sterile bandage material. But surely all these supplies don’t need to go straight to landfill. A lot of medical situations don’t require things to be sterile – for example, an animal bite comes with its own bacteria and yuckiness, so covering it with clean, but not guaranteed sterile, bandage is perfectly fine. Clinics in developing parts of the world, veterinary clinics, and other specialized facilities may have use for supplies that are no longer up to our standards, but still better than nothing (of course, top of the line medical supplies would be even better for underequipped clinics, but until that happens most doctors and nurses around the world would rather have something than nothing). Smarter ordering practices (and perhaps better funding practices) could have an impact here as well – less stuff expiring means less stuff getting tossed, and less budget pressure means more mindful ordering of supplies. For items that absolutely must end up as trash one way or another, options like greener, bio- degradable plastics, waste-to-energy, or new recycling techniques would help. These are systemic issues that are hard for any one individual to change, but being aware of the issue is the first step. Hospitals in Ottawa have already taken steps to become more efficient, pri- marily through reducing energy use. Most hospitals have backup power sources as well a connection to the power grid (for obvious reasons), and the interplay between these systems can be complicated. The Queensway Carleton Hospital, for example, maintains a co-generation plant (produces heat for the buildings as well as electricity) that wasn’t running efficiently because maintenance in the Hydro grid nearby was causing it to stop and start, or need to be taken off line. Smarter controls were installed and eliminated this problem, while at the same time the heating loop and other equipment was upgraded to take better advantage of the heat produced. The General campus of the Ottawa Hospital has been undergoing energy efficiency upgrades for many years – in 2017 they Page 26 VISTAS March 2018 • Educating future world-class talent Health News • Integrating with the community Frozen Shoulder • Helping to sustain the environment • Boosting the economic engine of the community. By Sue Reive, owner Kilborn Physiotherapy Clinic The role of the LHIN Board was to consider whether The Ottawa Hospi- rozen Shoulder is a condition which is characterized by pain and tal’s plan for future health services and programs were consistent with local Fa pattern of stiffness in the shoulder in specific proportions. Most health system priorities. The LHIN Board does not have purview over the often it occurs after a period of immobilization. Indeed, people with an specific siting of the new hospital, or over its physical design. injury to the tendon (end of the muscle) or the bursa (a pad-like sac) are The Ottawa Hospital’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating susceptible to developing frozen shoulder, particularly if they are 40 Officer, Cameron Love, provided to Board members a summary of what the years or older. Because of the pain in the shoulder patients don’t move new site will offer. For example, specialized rehabilitation services would be the arm enough and subsequently stiffness ensues. consolidated at the new campus, co-located with the associated disciplines of neurosciences, trauma and vascular care. In-patient mental health services In the frozen shoulder, the capsule (the tissue that holds joints to- would also be consolidated at the new campus, with a high-risk observation gether) becomes thickened and very tight with adhesions. Clinically area in the General’s emergency room for use by all specialties, including patients go through three phases. The first phase involves pain: pain at mental health. rest, pain disturbing sleep, and pain with movement which is also limit- Both the new campus and the General site would offer more single rooms ed with rotation and elevation. Treatment focuses on trying to maintain to allow for patient privacy and to improve infection control. A number of active mobility within pain free range and pain relief through medica- other programs and services would be consolidated at the General campus, tion and modalities. Sometimes a cortisone shot into the joint is given to such as cancer care, lung care, and eye care. Services supporting emergency settle the pain and inflammation. This stage can last 10 to 36 weeks. The rooms would be offered at both inpatient campuses. Mr. Love explained that second phase involves stiffness and can last up to 1 year. Physiotherapy the planners took into account the evolving nature of health care, particularly focuses on trying to improve mobility through gentle mobilization and with respect to changing technologies and service-delivery models. home exercises. Usually there is less pain at rest during this phase. The “We have had a lot of discussion about what we are doing today, and what final phase is the recovery phase which can last up to 2 years to regain we will look like in ten years, for every single service,” he said. full mobility with no discomfort. In some cases patients are left with The LHIN Board endorsed The Ottawa Hospital’s submission, recognizing slight limited mobility. that it follows priorities outlined in the Champlain LHIN’s Integrated Health With painful shoulder conditions it is important to maintain mobility Service Plan 2016-19. It also aligns with the current and intended role of The without aggravating the problem. A physical therapist can provide pa- Ottawa Hospital in the health system, and demonstrates the hospital’s commit- tients with appropriate exercises to help prevent a frozen shoulder from ment to working with its partners to co-create the health system of the future. developing. The proposal will now be shared with the Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care for further review. Champlain LHIN Board Chair Jean-Pierre Boisclair thanked staff mem- Champlain Local Health bers of The Ottawa Hospital for their hard work on this critical initiative. “We Integration Network (LHIN) know there is still a long journey ahead for you, and for us. We are delighted The Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) mandate is to ensure to be taken to the next stage.” health services are well-organized, appropriately funded, and meet the health needs of Pathways to Appropriate Levels of Care: Hospital Occupancy Pressures the 1.3 million residents who call this region home. LHIN works with and funds roughly 120 health service providers that offer about 240 health programs in hospitals, commu- Champlain LHIN CEO Chantale LeClerc and Vice President of Integra- nity support services, mental health and addiction service agencies, community health tion Cal Martell spoke to LHIN Board members about some of the most im- centres, and long-term care homes. portant challenges facing the regional health system today. The two focused on For more information: www.champlainlhin.on.ca/. hospital occupancy and the transition of patients within the health system from one level of care to another. The following are the highlights of the Champlain Local Health Integration Net- work Board of Directors meetings: Three hospitals in the Champlain region—The Ottawa Hospital, Queen- sway Carleton Hospital, and Cornwall Community Hospital—regularly strug- The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus gle with high patient occupancy, which results in lengthy emergency-room Redevelopment Project: Stage 1 Proposal stays for patients before they can be admitted. On the other hand, other hos- pitals in the Champlain region often have empty beds. On average, hospital he Ottawa Hospital is planning a major capital project to replace its aging occupancy at Champlain acute-care hospitals is 94 per cent. The Champlain Civic campus on a new site to meet health-care needs for the 21st century. T region has 147 acute hospital beds per 100,000 people, higher than the provin- “The project before us is of huge scope,” Champlain LHIN Director of cial average of 122 per 100,000 people. Health System Accountability Elizabeth Woodbury told the LHIN Board. “It “The question is, are we using the beds appropriately?” Ms. LeClerc asked. is a plan for the replacement of the Civic hospital with a new state-of-the-art She then emphasized the importance of improving the transfer of patients from facility. This plan, which is unprecedented in the history of our LHIN, has im- specialized hospitals to hospitals closer to patients’ homes. plications far beyond the Civic site. There will be implications for other sites of The Ottawa Hospital, as well as the health care system in the Champlain “Because of the big geography of the Champlain LHIN, we have certain LHIN region.” specialty services concentrated in a smaller number of hospitals, so there is an influx of people from smaller towns who go to their local hospital to get sta- Officials at The Ottawa Hospital have led a detailed exercise to plan for bilized and then need to be transferred to a larger hospital such as The Ottawa the new site. They developed a proposal outlining the distribution of health Hospital,” she explained. “Once their care is done, they need to get back to programs and services at the new campus, as well as for the hospital’s General their referring hospital so we can free up more specialized beds for someone and Riverside sites. Seven principles were followed in creating the proposal: who needs that level of care. In this region, we are getting people back to their • Enhancing the patient and family experience referring hospital within 48 hours, 60 per cent of the time. There is a great • Improving health, wellness, and recovery opportunity to repatriate people much more quickly, which would free up beds • Promoting innovation and research (Continued on Page 27 - Champlain LHIN) March 2018 VISTAS Page 27

Champlain LHIN (continued from Page 26) in hospitals with high occupancies, allowing someone in the emergency room to be admitted faster.” South-East Ottawa Board members discussed ways in which these patient repatriations could Community Health Centre occur more effectively across the health system. Such work is imperative, giv- Every One Matters en recent data. In fact, the rate of hospital patients in the Champlain region waiting to be discharged to other levels of care (known as Alternate Level of South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre (SEOCHC), located at 1355 Care or ALC patients) had decreased dramatically from 2010 to 2015, but un- Bank Street, Suite 600 is a non-profit organization that provides a range of ser- fortunately has worsened during the past couple of years. vices to clients, including primary health care, social services, home support and community development. We have professional teams of physicians, nurse Ms. LeClerc therefore proposed a re-invigoration of the Home First ap- practitioners, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, early childhood educators, proach, which emphasizes discharging people from hospital back to their counsellors, chiropodists and others. We offer programs and services for chil- homes with supports in place as a primary goal, rather than automatically dren, youth, seniors, adults and families, all at low or no cost. placing individuals on a long-term care home wait list. She also spoke of the Champlain LHIN’s sub-acute care strategy, which is adding more resources id you know that………… for rehabilitation services. D We are holding a fundraising event in collaboration with the Algon- In addition, Ms. LeClerc provided information about activities the Cham- quin College Foundation to celebrate restaurateur Moe Atallah, owner of the Newport Restaurant in Westboro. The event is the Blacktie Beanfest Revival, plain LHIN has supported and implemented with its partners to improve pa- th tient transitions and quality of care. They include strategies such as falls pre- and it promises to be a fun evening. Join us on Saturday, April 28 , at Algon- vention programs to prevent emergency room visits, assisted living services to quin College on Woodroffe Avenue. Tickets are $95 each and this includes keep seniors healthy at home, and an expansion of community-based programs dinner, dancing to the sounds of the Dan Dunlop Band, an Ottawa Valley Fa- so people with complex health conditions (such as acquired brain injuries) vourite and a surprise visit from Elvis. There will be silent and live auctions can leave hospital sooner. In addition, she mentioned internal hospital perfor- and all funds raised will go to SEOCHC and Algonquin College Foundation mance improvements like cleaning rooms more efficiently after patients are Bursary in Moe Atallah’s name to support high risk youth and students in our discharged so that new patients can be admitted to beds more quickly. community. MC for the evening is Michael O’Byrne, CTV News and auc- tioneer, Lawrence Greenspon. For more information, or to purchase tickets, “We have been doing a lot over the years to try to tackle this,” Ms. LeClerc please contact Suzanne O’Byrne at [email protected] or 613-737-5115 concluded. “There is not one solution to fix this problem. We have to tackle it ext. 2381. on multiple fronts at the same time.” Our Winter Schedule of Events Program is now available on our web- The LHIN Board passed a resolution to focus efforts on hospital discharge site and hard copies can be picked up at the Centre. The events program high- planning, including hiring a seasoned health professional to support patient lights the many programs and services offered from January to April 2018, flow among hospitals. programs such as the Breastfeeding Drop-in for new mothers, healthy eating, Quarterly Performance Report Walk-in Counselling Clinic, Yoga for Mental Health and many more. For more The Champlain LHIN produces a report each quarter focusing on the 13 information, check out our web-site atwww.seochc.on.ca or contact us at indicators the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care uses to hold the LHIN 613-737-5115. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook. accountable for the performance of the overall health system. These indicators reflect the effectiveness of the regional health system in the areas of health and wellness, quality and sustainability of care, system access and integration, and home and community care. The report for the second quarter of 2017-18 (July to Sept 2017) showed that on average, the Champlain health system was 82 per cent of the way to- ward meeting its overall targets. Allison Lampi, Champlain LHIN Senior Performance Specialist, said that the Champlain region has performed well in three key areas: lowering wait times for joint replacement surgeries, preventing hospital readmissions for chronic conditions, and decreasing the rate of repeat emergency room visits for people with mental health and substance use conditions. Due to increased LHIN investments, more people than before received home-care services, a positive development. However, the rate of missed home-care appointments has climbed, an issue the LHIN is working to resolve with its contracted home-care providers. A provincial shortage of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) has contributed to this challenge. Particularly prob- lematic were length of stays in emergency rooms, both for complex and un- complicated patients. Board members deemed these waits “unacceptable.” To help solve this issue, the LHIN put in place a number of measures to improve the flow of patients within and among hospitals (please see above for more details). The LHIN has also funded initiatives to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, such as community paramedic programs. Lastly, the LHIN Board received a report on corporate performance for the third quarter of 2017-18 (Oct to Dec 2017). The Champlain LHIN is tracking 53 initiatives aligned to the priorities in its Integrated Health Service Plan and its role in implementing the Patients First Act, 2016. Of the 53 initiatives, all except 3 are on track. Page 28 VISTAS March 2018 In Practice Former Alta Vista Resident By Steven A. Neal, Lawyer Publishes 10th Book Do I Need a Lawyer? andy Ray is a former Alta Vista resident whose family lived on Louisi- ana Ave. for 20 years during which he was a regular editorial contrib- ne of the more difficult questions we all face is: ‘When do I ask for R utor to Vistas, back when Celine Tower was editor. He was also one of the help?’ When your problem is a legal one, this quickly becomes: O distributos who dropped bundles of papers off at carriers’ houses. Two of ‘Do I need a lawyer?’ Not all legal problems are created equal and so the his sons graduated from Featherston Drive Public School and Hillcrest High answer to that question depends on the type of problem. School. As well, he was a Beaver Leader at Pleasant Park Public School and In estate planning, a holograph will can be a cost-effective option coached minor hockey in Alta Vista for many years. for some people. All that is required is a pen and a piece of paper. So As The Years Go By ... Conversations With Canada’s Folk, Pop & Rock long as the entire will is handwritten by the will maker and signed and Pioneers - Anyone who grew up in Canada in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, dated, it is a valid will in Ontario. As with any do-it-yourself will prepa- knows how amazing this country’s music scene was in those magical de- ration method, it does not come with any estate planning advice. In most cades. Etched in the musical memories of millions of music fans in Canada situations, a full consultation and a professionally prepared will is the and around the globe are great tunes, television appearances and live shows best option, but when a will must be prepared urgently, or the will maker featuring The Diamonds, Lighthouse, Steppenwolf, Mashmakhan, Patsy does not wish to get any advice, a holograph will can be a good option. Gallant, Skylark, Bobby Curtola, Edward Bear, Susan Jacks, Terry Jacks, However, it is often said that you can pay a lawyer a few hundred dol- Denny Doherty, The Five Man Electrical Band, The Paupers, Moxy, The lars to have a will prepared correctly, or your family can pay a lawyer Raes, A Foot in Cold Water, The Esquires, The Haunted, Keith Hampshire, thousands of dollars later on to fix the problems resulting from a will Charity Brown, Fludd, The Bells, Michel Pagliaro, and many others. made without proper advice. In their 10th book, best-selling authors Mark Kearney and Randy Ray When buying and selling a home, legal help is essential. Ownership compile in one place, detailed newspaper articles they wrote in the 1980s of land in Ontario is recorded and transferred electronically through the and 1990s about hundreds of Canadian music personalities who years ear- Land Titles Registry. Preparing and registering mortgages, transfers and lier had chased musical stardom. Many stories have been updated or offer web links to additional information. Several connect to YouTube videos that other instruments is specialized work. If there is a mortgage involved, show the performers belting out their hit songs. Most are accompanied by the bank will usually insist on having a lawyer prepare the mortgage for photographs. them. This is an area where everyone benefits from proper representa- tion. Further, it is a competitive area where comparing prices is relative- The years may have gone by but the memories linger... Learn more at ly easy, so getting a fair price is straightforward. www.triviaguys.com or by contacting Randy Ray at 613-816-3873 or [email protected]. In Ottawa the book is sold at Books on Beechwood. If you have suffered a personal injury and need help to cover your costs for rehabilitation or time off from work, there are lawyers who spe- cialize in evaluating these cases and providing specific advice on them. Many of them offer free consultations to help them and you determine if you should take your claim further. Because of this, it is a good idea to meet with a specialized lawyer to make sure you are on the right path. When considering a lawsuit in other areas, legal advice should pri- marily be focused on the practical side. There are, unfortunately, many unfair situations in life, but most of them are not cost-effective to pursue in court. Unless the amount of money is significantly higher than the le- gal fees required to bring the lawsuit, or there is an important, non-mon- etary reason, most claims or lawsuits are not worth it. An example of an important, non-monetary reason is demerit points resulting from a traffic ticket. For most drivers, it is far simpler and more cost effective to pay the fine early, accept the demerits and move on. However, commercial drivers are more strongly affected by demerit points and so may wish to pay a premium to keep their demerit points down. This can also apply to drivers facing license suspension. Hiring a paralegal or lawyer may be worth it in these cases. Of course, it is always easier to avoid getting ticketed in the first place, but that is not helpful advice to someone who has already received a ticket. For anyone facing criminal charges, legal advice is very important. Even if the advice ends up being to plead guilty, the consequences of having a criminal record are serious enough that such a decision should not be taken lightly or without proper advice. Asking for help can be challenging for all of us at times, but know- ing when it is essential, optional, or unnecessary can make the process easier. This column contains information only and is not legal advice nor legal opinion; it should not be relied on as if it were in any way. March 2018 VISTAS Page 29 ers, a ball, a couple of friends, two coats (for goal posts) and suddenly a Kick-off Your Summer with soccer game has broken out in the middle of who knows what (hopefully not class). At the grass roots level, soccer in Canada is stronger now than Canterbury Community Soccer! it has ever been. We are all very lucky to have a club like Canterbury on By William Humphries our door step that has remained accessible to all, but it cannot operate here’s magic in the air! Can you feel it? Well, maybe not with all this without the help of our community (including our sponsors and refer- Twhite stuff on the ground, or maybe you’re feeling a different kind ees). So for more information on age groups, when registration opens of winter magic right now. But soon the snow will be gone, the shorts and how to contact us, please see the advertisement in this edition of and T-shirts will be on, and the nights will be warm and light. Summer Vistas – we look forward very much to hearing from you, and even more is coming - just try and stop it - and with it comes our local community so, if you would be willing to give a little time to help this great organi- soccer season with Canterbury Soccer. For six short but nonetheless fab- zation. Here’s to healthy kids, some downtime from electronics, and a ulous weeks, our lives are filled with a flurry of trips back and forth to magical soccer summer! the fields (“which one are we on this week, Mom?!”), healthy and happy kids chasing soccer balls while hopefully headed toward the right goal, the chance to socialize with other community families in the glorious sunshine while cheering on our players (even if their preferred position is sitting and making daisy chains), and the tireless efforts of the those who organize, coach, prepare, and generally run around in blind panic behind the scenes trying to keep everyone on-time and happy. Canterbury Soccer Club is run entirely by volunteers from the com- munity, and is one of the most rewarding experiences I know. As head coach, I’m thrilled and privileged to be a part of it. It’s around this time of year that the executive gets the call to action from our marvellous club president, Christine, and the first meeting is set for early February to review last season and plan for the season ahead. We decide how to spend funds, how many teams to accommodate, any new club rules, the registration format and dates, what advertising campaigns to run, and a whole host of other exciting stuff. The club is not small – we have a capacity of about 500 players – which is a testament to the club’s history and the efforts of those who have gone before us, including our refer- ees and our generous sponsors. But with this many players comes the desperate need for parent volunteers. Every year, brave souls who have never coached soccer (or possibly never even kicked a ball), step up to the challenge and undertake our informative and rigorous (!!) coaches’ training program, for which the only pre-requisites are a bit of free time and the ability to have fun. It’s also the perfect opportunity for high school students to gain some volunteer hours needed for graduation, ei- ther as coaches or assistant coaches. And we don’t just need volunteers for coaching if that’s not your shtick – there are numerous other jobs that you can help with – organizing equipment bags, painting the field lines, setting up nets for games, equipment managers to help the coaches, first aiders, helping direct on opening day (an opera of chaotic beauty), and of course new members of the executive, because change helps to keep organizations relevant and fresh. Soccer is called the greatest game on earth for a reason. It takes relatively little to make it happen – a pair of train-

Daylight Savings Time begins on March 11 at 3 a.m. Page 30 VISTAS March 2018 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Ottawa Humane Society - Would you like to help us support the ani- East. Dr. Larson will provide an insight in the latest issues in this com- mals? If you like to bake, make crafts, or would like to volunteer at our plex and rapidly changing region, including recent developments in the events, you can help raise money for the animals at the Ottawa Humane City of Jerusalem. His working motto is “Raise the Issues but lower the Society. Find out more by joining us at our monthly business meeting temperature.” The date is Tuesday, March 13, from 7 - 8:30 p.m., at 1:30 - 3 p.m. Thursday, March 1 at the animal shelter, 245 West Hunt Emmanuel United Church, 691 Smyth Rd. Tickets are just $10 and can Club Rd. behind Hunt Club Nissan. Refreshments are served and all are be obtained by phoning 613-733-0437. welcome. For more information, call Maureen 613-225-2860 or go to Ottawa Women’s Canadian Club - Thursday, March 15, 12:30 p.m., facebook.com/OttawaHumaneSocietyAuxiliary. Ballroom of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Dr. Bob Ryerson. TOPIC: World Day of Prayer 2018 at St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church, “Satellite Images: A Window on our World” To attend, call 613-523-0098, 2400 Alta Vista Drive Friday, March 2, 7 p.m. Everyone is cordially or visit www.owcc.ca. invited to join us for this special service shared by several churches in the Ottawa Inter-Faith E-Recycling Program will hold a collection on area. The World Day of Prayer Service 2018 will be in solidarity with and Saturday March 17, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Rideau Park United Church, for the South American Nation of Suriname. 2203 Alta Vista Dr. Bring your old TVs, VCRs, DVD, Blu-Ray play- Art Lending of Ottawa, a not for profit organization since 1970, presents ers, audio and stereo equipment, cameras, phones and cellular devices, its spring exhibition on Saturday, March 3. One may lease, lease to pur- laptops, computers and all accessories. Ontario Electronic Stewardship chase and purchase original, fine visual art at reasonable prices. Local (OES) will recycle the used electronics. Proceeds to benefit host com- artists. Large selection. RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive (Outaouais, munities and youth programs. For more info. 613-733-3156 ext. 229 or East entrance) 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free admission and parking. Visit us at www.rideaupark.ca. www.artlendingofottawa.ca. Gentle Yoga: Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. -OR- Fridays, 9 - 10 a.m., Ottawa South Women’s Connection Thursday, March 8, 9:30 - 11 Spring Session, starting March 21 at Rideau Park United Church, a.m. Retirement Services “Stay Fit, Active & Healthy” 3280 Leitrim Rd. 2203 Alta Vista Dr. Join one or both Gentle Yoga classes depending on (Fred Barrett), “Healthy in Home” with David O’Neill. Singer: Karen your schedule. Certified Yoga Instructor, Lynda Spalding, will lead begin- Chow; Judy Gatehouse’s faith story: “My Dad & Me - A Love Story”; ner to advanced (male and female) students through a gentle therapeutic refreshments, door prizes, child care Admission: $6 Info: 613-801-8758. flow mat class. Fees are $50. for 10 weeks (1 class per week) or $100 (2 Women connecting with God, each other, their community. classes/week). Drop-in fee $8. More info, call Lynda 613-422-3565. Israel-Palestine: Understanding Two Narratives, Insights on Current 50+ Fitness Group: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 – 10 a.m. Spring Ses- Issues Evening lecture by Dr. Peter Larson, Chair of Canada talks Israel sion, starting March 22 at Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta Palestine, a Canadian human rights organization focussing on the Middle Vista Dr. Please join us and get moving, strengthening, and stretching. All levels of fitness (male and female) are encouraged and supported by Faiza, our Certified Seniors’ Fitness Instructor (SFIC). Fees are $60 for 10 weeks (20 classes), payable at your first class. Drop-in fee $8. For more info, call Lisa 613-523-9101 or www.rideaupark.ca. Maplefest March 22, 2 - 4 p.m. It’s an annual spring tradition because we love Maple! To be held at Maplewood Retirement Community, 340 Industrial Ave. R.S.V.P. to Carolyn Mills at 613-656-0556. The Ottawa Humane Society Auxiliary will be selling delicious home baked treats and lovely crafts at The Ottawa Humane Society’s Easter Open House Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the ani- mal shelter245 West Hunt Club Rd. behind Hunt Club Nissan. Admis- sion and parking are free. For more info call Maureen 613-225-2860 or go to facebook.com/OttawaHumaneSocietyAuxiliary. The Harmony Club for Seniors 60+ holds its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 28 at Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta Vista Dr. From 1 - 2 p.m. Lynn Sherwood will speak about the services provided and the challenges faced by the Heron Road Emergency Food Centre. All seniors welcome. The church is wheelchair accessible. Park- ing is free. This Club is run by volunteers. Information: 613-733-3156 ext. 229, or www.rideaupark.ca. Easter Services, Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta Vista Dr. Thursday, March 29, 5:45 p.m., Seder Supper, followed by Maundy Thursday Service; Friday, March 30, 11a.m., Good Friday Service; Sun- day, April 1, 7a.m., Easter Sunrise Service; Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m. Easter Sunday Service. You are invited to come and worship with us. All are welcome. More information, 613-733-3156 ext. 229, or www.rideaupark.ca. (continued on page 31) Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr. March 2018 VISTAS Page 31 CLASSIFIED ADS BEST FOOT FORWARD: Improve Balance & Stability. Chair Yoga HANDYMAN DAN $25 hourly rate. Need a room finished? Interior on Wednesdays & Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Rideau Park United Church, painting, baseboards, etc. Call 613-501-7761. 2203 Alta Vista Drive. $120 for 12 weeks beginning March 14. Certi- [email protected]. fied Yoga for Seniors Teacher, Lynda Spalding at 4livingyoga@gmail. JAMIE NININGER Alta Vista native. Painting, (interior/ exterior) com or 613-422-3565. plumbing, decks, patios, flooring (ceramic, wood, laminate) playrooms, BRENNAN BROTHERS LTD. Finish basements, bathrooms, kitch- vanities, faucets, countertops, etc. Call 613-852-8511 or 613-733-1951. ens, drywall, painting, all flooring, all roofing, repairs, doors and win- SNOWBLOWER / LAWNMOWER TUNEUPS / REPAIRS. Mo- dows, decks, build houses. We do stipple ceilings and repair them. 10% bile service; we come to you. Lawnmower tune-up $79.95. Tune-up for Winter discount. Free estimates, guaranteed workmanship snowblower $94.95 plus parts, tax and $20 service charge. City-wide 613-733-6336. service. 613-747-2281. CLEANING – MATURE EUROPEAN LADY willing to clean your PAINTING, 20 years’ experience. All types of plastering, painting in- home. Excellent references. Police check. Please call 613-249-8445. terior/exterior residential and commercial, free estimates. We do stipple HANDYMAN will do plumbing, carpentry, drywall, electric repair. ceilings and repair them. 15% Winter discount. 2 year warranty on Kitchen, bathroom, renovation, tile work. Excellent references. Police workmanship. 613-733-6336. check. No HST. Please call Peter at 613-797-9905 or 613-249-8445.

Community Calendar WORD SEARCH (continued from page 30)

Music and Beyond, ‘Under the Estonian Musical Sky’ Monday, April 9, 7 p.m. Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, 199 Sussex Drive. A mu- sical encounter that takes a path less travelled by uniting Kiya Tabas- sian’s Persian universe with the captivating voice and enchanting violin of Maarja Nuut, the new face of Estonian music. The Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus Auxiliary has been active since 1967 providing high quality patient care, supporting research pro- jects and funding specialized equipment. Its great Semi-Annual Book Sale in the entrance hallway of the Riverside Campus will be held on April 10-11 (9 a.m. -3 p.m.). If you would like to make a donation of used books, you can drop them in the box at the entrance of the Riverside Campus during business hours. Pick-ups may possibly also be arranged. For more information, please contact Lucie at 613-986-1983. Casino Extravaganza! April 13 2 - 4 p.m. Maplewood turns into a Ca- sino getaway. Enjoy slot machines, horse racing roulette, a blackjack table and much more at Maplewood Retirement Community, 340 Industrial Ave. R.S.V.P. to Carolyn Mills at 613-656-0556. “Fitness to Drive as We Age” presentation by The Council on Aging Ottawa, on Tuesday, April 17, 2 p.m. at Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta Vista Drive. Age can affect our functional abilities. It is im- portant to understand the physical, perceptual and cognitive changes in IRELAND – The land of the leprechaun and shamrock. order to correct them or know how to compensate. Maximize knowledge Happy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th!!! and setting of your car through such programs as “55 Alive and CarFit”. Are you aware of the process of license renewal at age 80? Know the sys- Enjoy finding these “words”.... tem, and plan early for the day when you won’t be able to drive. The Spring Nearly New sale and Book Sale take place on Friday, April CAUSEWAY HURLING POTOFGOLD 20 and Saturday, April 21 at Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta CELTIC IRELAND PUBLICHOUSES Vista Drive. If you have gently worn clothes and shoes for adults and kids, CLAN JIGS SAINTPATRICK or books you’d like to share, please drop them off on Thursday the 19th in FOOTBALL LEPRECHAUN SAMUELBECKETT Beecroft. If you’re desperate to donate and not able to come then, items GAELIC MEAD SHAMROCKS clearly marked can be brought earlier. GEORGESHAW OSCARWILDE TRINITY ‘Une Célébration Française’ - Sunday, April 29, 3 p.m. The Ottawa GIANTS PORRIDGE TURNIPS Brahms Choir, under direction of Christopher Askwith, accompanied by HALLOWEEN POTATOES WILLIAMYATES pianist Svetlana Logigan, invites you to its annual Spring concert at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2345 Alta Vista Drive. Music includes ex- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort cerpts of ‘Cantate pour une joie’ by Pierre Mercure, with soprano soloist, and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controver- Cara Gilbertson-Boese and works by Gabriel Fauré, Charles Gounod, Ca- sy. Martin Luther King, Jr. mille Saint-Saëns, Morten Lauridsen and others. Ticket information avail- able soon. For information, www. OttawaBrahmsChoir.ca. 819-568-8169. Page 32 VISTAS March 2018